The Democrat Party has launched a fact-finding investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct involving a party member and a Buddhist monk, following the circulation of a video online which sparked widespread criticism.
Democrat spokesman and executive member Ramet Rattanachaweng said on Thursday that the party did not sit idle after learning about the incident on Wednesday evening, promptly gathering information and informing party leader Chalermchai Sri-on.
Mr Ramet said the accused woman, as a Democrat, is obligated to adhere to the ethical principles outlined in the party's regulations, which include maintaining trust, upholding morality and serving as a positive role model within the family institution.
After receiving the report, Mr Chalermchai ordered the setting up of a fact-finding committee to investigate the allegations, composed of former party MP Theerachart Pangwirunrak, party-list candidate Charin Liangkanchanakul and himself, said the spokesman.
He said the accused woman has been a Democrat member since March 26, 2023, but has been inactive in party affairs since the general election on May 14 last year. She has held no official position within the party, he added.
Democrat Party spokesman Ramet Rattanachaweng. (Photo: Democrat Party)
The investigation is expected to conclude within three days, with the findings forwarded to the Democrat executive board for further action. Should the accused member be found to have breached party regulations, her membership will be revoked.
"This is the responsibility of the political party institution," said Mr Ramet. "A party member must behave within the framework of ethics, virtue and morality while gaining trust and faith from the public."
"The party's regulations place a strong emphasis on being a good role model to strengthen the family institution. When this incident involving a party member happens, the party is duty-bound to strictly follow its procedures, ensuring that the public retains faith in the party's commitment to addressing such cases."
The party's actions follow the revelation of a video posted on the popular Facebook page E-Sor Khayee Khao on Wednesday, alleging an extramarital affair between a 24-year-old monk and the 45-year-old wife of a former politician. The woman is also the monk's adopted mother.
On March 22 this year, the woman's husband who became suspicious drove from Bangkok to their home in Sukhothai province, where he recorded the alleged affairs as evidence. The woman and the monk ran naked from the bed, attempting to assault the man and seize his smartphone.
The woman on Wednesday reportedly denied any involvement with the monk, claiming that he had only come to her room to take a bath.
The Facebook page later announced that the monk had renounced his monastic vows and fled from a temple in Uttaradit province. The scandal has drawn heavy criticism among netizens.