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.

“As the Democrat party’s leader, I am deeply sorry. And I take this opportunity to apologise for everything that has happened concerning one of the party’s personnel.”

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.

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.

Related news

“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

Bangkok NewsPolitics NewsThailand News

Thaiger Talk

Join the conversation and have your say on Thailand news published on The Thaiger.

Thaiger Talk is our new Thaiger Community where you can join the discussion on everything happening in Thailand right now.

Please note that articles are not posted to the forum instantly and can take up to 20 min before being visible. Click for more information and the Thaiger Talk Guidelines.

Jay Shine

A longtime expat in Asia with a degree in journalism and creative writing. Highlights include writing for Condé Nast Traveller and Apple Music. In his spare time, Jay enjoys writing poetry, brewing traditional Chinese tea and lounging with his calico soi cat, Almond.

Related Articles