Pannika apologises in Parliament for 'inappropriate' picture

Pannika apologises in Parliament for 'inappropriate' picture

Future Forward Party spokeswoman Pannika Wanich aplogised in Parliament for an old picture that some viewed as disrespectful to the monarchy. (Bangkok Post file photo)
Future Forward Party spokeswoman Pannika Wanich aplogised in Parliament for an old picture that some viewed as disrespectful to the monarchy. (Bangkok Post file photo)

Future Forward Party MP Pannika Wanich on Wednesday apologised in Parliament for posting an "inappropriate" photo that included a portrait of the late monarch.

The party spokeswoman said she was sorry for her action, which had also caused problems for her friends, family members and other persons.

Ms Pannika said she was disturbed that the issue had spawned hate speech on social media and turned her into a political target. The spokeswoman was lambasted online, most famously by Palang Pracharath MP Parina Kraikup in a series of vicious personal attacks.

The photo dates from 2010 and shows the MP and her friends, wearing graduation gowns, gesturing toward a picture of the late monarch in a manner deemed offensive by some.

It was taken after she graduated from the political science faculty of Chulalongkorn University.

Legal action has been taken against her since the picture was circulated on social media, with possible charges included violation of the Computer Crime Act.

Ms Pannika said she was ready to explain her case to investigators and added she will not be the last to be attacked over the institution of the monarchy.

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