Democrat party leader apologies, ‘accepts responsibility’ for Prinn’s sex scandal

Thailand’s Democrat party leader has publicly apologised and accepted responsibly for the high-profile sex scandal of Prinn Panitchpakdi, who stepped down last week as the party’s deputy leader, as a wave of sexual abuse and rape allegations mount against him.

Speaking at a press conference at party headquarters in Bangkok on Monday, commerce minister Jurin Laksanawisit apologised on the party’s behalf, saying he was “deeply sorry” for the alleged actions of his former colleague Prinn.

Moreover, Jurin repeated the party line to not defend the disgraced former deputy leader or stymie the judicial system. He also emphasised the party’s opposition to sexual harassment, as well as gender discrimination and violence against women and children.

• Read: 3 more women break their silence, adding to claims of Prinn’s alleged sexual abuse

To prove that he took the matter seriously and accepted responsibly, Jurin said he had removed himself from the government committees for women’s policies and gender equality, in a display of self-chastisement.

“As the party’s leader, I played important roles in recruiting Mr Prinn… Because the issue arose while I was the party leader, I can’t avoid responsibility.”

The party has formed a committee to investigate the allegations pressed against Prinn and seek ways to help any confirmed victims, according to the Bangkok Post.

Prinn is the son of former deputy PM Supachai Panitchpakdi. His father was also the former secretary-general of the UN Conference on Trade and Development, as well as the former director-general of the World Trade Organisation.

SOURCE: Bangkok Post | ThaiPBS