Thai Politician Slaps Journalist, Sparks Outrage
Incident Sparks Calls for Ethics Inquiry
A shocking incident in Bangkok has sparked outrage and calls for an ethics inquiry. Prawit Wongsuwan, a retired general and former deputy prime minister, was seen slapping a journalist, Duangthip Yiamphop, on the head multiple times after she asked him a question. The incident has led to widespread condemnation in Thailand, where violence against women is prevalent.
Background
Prawit Wongsuwan is a well-known figure in Thai politics, having served as a deputy prime minister and defense minister. He is also the president of Thailand’s National Olympic Committee. His behavior has been criticized in the past, with some accusing him of being arrogant and dismissive of journalists’ questions.
The Incident
The incident occurred last week, when Prawit Wongsuwan was leaving a meeting with Thai athletes who had returned from the Paris Games. Duangthip Yiamphop, a reporter for the Thai Public Broadcasting Service, approached him to ask a question about the recent prime ministerial vote. Instead of answering her question, Prawit Wongsuwan raised his hand and slapped her on the head multiple times before walking away.
Reactions
The incident has sparked outrage in Thailand, with many calling for Prawit Wongsuwan to be held accountable for his actions. The Thai Public Broadcasting Service has also condemned the incident, stating that it is an act of intimidation that affects journalists’ sense of safety.
Investigation
The Thai Parliament has announced that it will open an ethics inquiry into the incident. A parliamentary committee is set to discuss the case on Thursday, with some lawmakers calling for Prawit Wongsuwan to be stripped of his parliamentary immunity.
The incident highlights the need for greater respect and protection for journalists in Thailand. As a democratic country, it is essential that journalists are able to carry out their work without fear of intimidation or violence. The investigation into the incident is a crucial step in ensuring that those responsible are held accountable and that measures are put in place to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Q: What happened during the incident?
A: Prawit Wongsuwan, a retired general and former deputy prime minister, was seen slapping a journalist, Duangthip Yiamphop, on the head multiple times after she asked him a question.
Q: Why did Prawit Wongsuwan slap the journalist?
A: The exact reason for Prawit Wongsuwan’s behavior is unclear, but some have speculated that it may have been due to his frustration with the question being asked.
Q: What has been the reaction to the incident?
A: The incident has sparked outrage in Thailand, with many calling for Prawit Wongsuwan to be held accountable for his actions. The Thai Public Broadcasting Service has also condemned the incident, stating that it is an act of intimidation that affects journalists’ sense of safety.
Q: What is being done to address the incident?
A: The Thai Parliament has announced that it will open an ethics inquiry into the incident. A parliamentary committee is set to discuss the case on Thursday, with some lawmakers calling for Prawit Wongsuwan to be stripped of his parliamentary immunity.
