Prawit under fire for assault
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Prawit under fire for assault

Journalists demand accountability from Palang Pracharath leader after incident on Friday

Palang Pracharath Party leader Gen Prawit Wongsuwon slaps Thai PBS reporter Duangthip Yiamphop on the head after she asked him about the vote for prime minister in the House, which he did not attend, on Friday. (Screen grab)
Palang Pracharath Party leader Gen Prawit Wongsuwon slaps Thai PBS reporter Duangthip Yiamphop on the head after she asked him about the vote for prime minister in the House, which he did not attend, on Friday. (Screen grab)

Two media associations will seek an investigation into the conduct of Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) leader Gen Prawit Wongsuwon after he assaulted a female reporter on Friday.

The Thai Broadcast Journalists Association and the News Broadcasting Council of Thailand said Gen Prawit’s behaviour could violate the code of conduct for MPs.

Under the ethics code for MPs, lawmakers must respect the rights and liberties of others and refrain from using inappropriate behaviour or language. MPs must not intimidate or use force against others.

The two associations said they had carefully reviewed numerous videos taken of the incident on Friday and concluded that Gen Prawit’s behaviour towards the reporter constituted intimidation and not playful teasing as some of his supporters have contended.

Thai PBS, the employer of the reporter involved in the incident, also issued a statement demanding that Gen Prawit take responsibility for his actions.

According to the statement, military reporter Duangthip Yiamphop asked her question politely and it was relevant to Gen Prawit, indicating she was performing her job honestly.

In a video, Gen Prawit appeared heavily agitated when asked about Pheu Thai leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra being endorsed as prime minister in the House.

Gen Prawit, who had skipped the House session to attend an event to welcome Olympic athletes home, slapped the reporter on the head twice and asked repeatedly: “What did you ask?”

Being mistreated by a news source is unacceptable and undermines the integrity of journalism, Thai PBS said, adding that other media associations should collaborate to find measures to protect their members. The Thai Journalists Association on Friday also issued a statement demanding that Gen Prawit show responsibility for his actions.

Gen Prawit called the reporter on Friday night to clear the air, according to Gen Nat Intarahcharoen, an aide to the former army chief.

Gen Nat said Gen Prawit did not mean to hurt or intimidate the reporter and often playfully teased reporters he is acquainted with. 

Gen Prawit, 79, is also a Palang Pracharath list-MP, though he rarely attends House sessions, ostensibly due to his weak health.

MPs receive a monthly salary of 113,560 baht as well as generous medical, pension and other welfare benefits.

Like his fellow 2014 coup leader Prayut Chan-o-cha, Gen Prawit lives in free housing at the 1st Infantry Regiment in Phaya Thai district of Bangkok. Also located there is the Five Border Provinces Forest Preservation Foundation, a military-backed organisation that he chairs.

Asked recently by reporters about his frequent absences from Parliament, he replied that if people need to talk to him, they can come to the foundation’s office and see him there.

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