Thai MP under scrutiny for smoking e-cigarette in Parliament
Thai People’s Party MP, Charoenyuth (Tonkla) Chaturapornprasit, is facing an ethics investigation after being caught on camera smoking an e-cigarette inside Parliament. The matter is expected to be reviewed by the House Ethics Committee, with debate intensifying over the regulation of e-cigarettes in Thailand.
A picture was shared on social media earlier today, March 11, on the กูจะลากไส้มึงออกมาดูเล่น page, showing the MP smoking the e-cigarette, accompanied with a scathing caption.
“#Smoking an e-cigarette in the middle of Parliament. Do you want everything? Being an MP instead of being a good example, you’re breaking the law in the middle of Parliament.”
Pakornwut Udompipatsakul, deputy leader of the People’s Party, confirmed in Parliament today that the party will review the incident through internal procedures to determine the details of what transpired.
Pakornwut stated that similar cases have been referred to the House Ethics Committee in the past, noting that other parties have also been involved in such incidents. However, he emphasised that the committee’s decision would be awaited before any further action is taken.
The controversy arises amid Thailand’s ongoing crackdown on e-cigarettes, while some groups advocate for legalisation. When asked about the opposition’s stance, Pakornwut revealed that on March 13, the House special committee on vaping laws will present its findings to Parliament, outlining potential regulations for e-cigarette use in Thailand.
He noted that laws evolve over time, comparing the situation to Thailand’s past cannabis prohibition. He emphasised the need for strict regulations to prevent e-cigarette sales to youth and suggested that clear penalties could offer a balanced solution.
When questioned about whether the scrutiny of Charoenyuth amounts to a political witch hunt, as he is the second People’s Party MP to be exposed, Pakornwut responded that the issue should be viewed objectively.
He further stated that he had not yet met with Charoenyuth personally but assured that the incident would be reviewed by the Ethics Committee.
Latest Thailand News
