The News Broadcasting Council of Thailand and the Thai Broadcast Journalists Association made waves on Wednesday when they requested House Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha to open an ethics investigation into Palang Pracharath Party leader Gen Prawit Wongsuwon’s eyebrow-raising conduct last Friday. NBCT president Supan Rakchuea expressed serious concern as a troubling video surfaced showing Gen Prawit in a moment of frustration, allegedly threatening, and then shockingly slapping a reporter.
The footage paints a dramatic scene as Gen Prawit, currently serving as a caretaker deputy prime minister, is seen using his right hand to slap the reporter on the head. The reporter’s ‘offense’? A probing question about the House’s recent election of Pheu Thai Party leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra as the new prime minister.
“This is not an isolated incident for this politician… We need to discuss ethics and the imperative role of the mass media, which must be safeguarded,” emphasized Mr. Supan. “We need to set a precedent making it clear to politicians that we are not adversaries. We are simply performing our duty by reporting information and events. If sources or politicians do not wish to respond, the appropriate response should be ‘no comment,’ rather than resorting to physical altercations,” Mr. Supan rationalized.
The official complaint highlights clauses 12 and 13 of the code of conduct for House of Representatives members and its committees. Clause 12 obligates MPs and committee members to respect the rights and freedoms of others and to refrain from insulting conduct. Clause 13 prohibits MPs and committee members from engaging in threatening behavior or assaults, be it during meetings, in parliament, or elsewhere.
Punishments for such transgressions range from mere warnings and public condemnations to demands for formal apologies to the House session.
The Palang Pracharath Party, where Gen Prawit is a central figure, holds significant sway as the third-largest coalition party with 40 MPs. Yet, turbulence seems to be brewing within its ranks. The party’s secretary-general, Thamanat Prompow, recently announced the formation of an independent faction pledging loyalty to him rather than to Gen Prawit. He confidently cited support from 29 party MPs.
Mr. Thamanat, who previously served as agriculture minister under the administration led by Srettha Thavisin, appears to be staging a rebellion amid speculation that his party might overlook him for a cabinet reappointment. His controversial past includes a four-year sentence in an Australian prison following a 1994 conviction for conspiring to import heroin. This shadow over his political career adds more fuel to the internal party strife.
Whether this scandal involving Gen Prawit will simmer down or boil over remains to be seen. Yet one thing is certain: in the high-stakes arena of Thai politics, drama and intrigue are never in short supply.
Slapping a reporter? This guy has completely lost it. How can anyone still support Gen Prawit?
I agree, politicians should never resort to violence. It’s disgraceful!
Exactly. If a leader cannot control his temper, how can he govern a country?
Why are we surprised? This is Thailand. Power corrupts, and these politicians are out of control.
We may be used to political drama, but this crosses a line. It’s unacceptable everywhere.
I’m not sure why people are making such a big fuss. Maybe the reporter was out of line?
Out of line or not, physical assault is never the answer.
Reporters are supposed to ask tough questions. It’s their job!
True, but there’s a way to ask questions without being disrespectful.
Thamanat forming an independent faction proves that the Palang Pracharath Party is crumbling from within.
Thamanat has his own controversial past. He’s no saint either.
Right, but at least Thamanat’s rebellion shows some semblance of accountability in politics.
Accountability? Maybe. But it also looks like a power grab to me.
Wow, slapping someone over a PM question? Prawit must be feeling pretty threatened by the new leadership.
I’d like to see if these ethical investigations actually lead to any real consequences.
The usual: public apologies and condemnations, and then it’s back to business as usual.
Yes, unfortunately, that’s often the case with political scandals.
Not to mention, his party still holds significant power. They might just shrug this off.
Ethics in politics? That’s a joke, especially in Thailand.
Prawit must issue a formal apology. Physical violence cannot be tolerated, especially from public figures.
Prawit’s actions reflect poorly on the entire Palang Pracharath Party.
True, the party needs to address this issue head-on or risk losing credibility.
Credibility? They’ve got MPs with criminal pasts. Credibility is long gone.
Still, a strong response now could at least salvage some of their reputation.
Does anyone else think that Prawit’s frustration is linked to the internal party strife? Seems like he’s feeling the pressure from all sides.
It’s crazy to think such behavior is happening at this high level of government. What message does this send to the public?
It tells people that power can condone violence, which is extremely dangerous.
Exactly, it sets a terrible example for resolving conflicts.
Prawit’s slapping incident is a distraction from more important issues facing Thailand right now.
Important or not, such behavior can’t be ignored.
Indeed, even small instances of violence need to be called out, especially in politics.
I agree. It’s a symptom of a larger problem with authority and power in our government.
How is it acceptable for people with criminal pasts like Thamanat to hold such positions of power?
Thai politics is a farce as long as people like Prawit and Thamanat are in charge.
It’s all starting to feel like a soap opera, isn’t it?
Absolutely, and it’s the country that suffers while these politicians play their games.
The constant infighting and scandals just harm Thailand’s international reputation.