Officials investigated for sexual harassment to be suspended without pay under new measure

Deputy government spokesperson Ratchada Thanadirek / Photo via Facebook รัชดา ธนาดิเรก

Under a new measure approved by the Thai Cabinet, government officials who are under investigation for suspected sexual harassment or assault will be suspended without pay. An investigation will be launched only if there is sufficient evidence that back the claims.

If a government official is accused of sexual harassment or abuse, it is the responsibility of that official’s direct superior to launch an internal investigation into the claims and take immediate disciplinary actions, according to deputy government spokesperson Ratchada Thanadirek.

The new code also allows human resource departments under government agencies to enforce disciplinary action for those who are being investigated for sexual harassment or other ethical breaches such as cyberbullying on social media.

“The disciplinary actions include removal from office or temporary suspension, either with or without pay, and other applicable legal actions… The supervisors must make sure that these actions are enforced in a timely manner. Failure to do so will be considered a misconduct or a disciplinary offence.”

The new disciplinary code of conduct was proposed to the Cabinet by the Office of Civil Service Commission. Ratchada says PM Prayut Chan-o-cha agrees with the new measure.

“The prime minister especially emphasised the issue and said that if a government official is found through adequate evidence to be involved in any sexual harassment, he should be immediately removed from office.”

SOURCES: Thai PBS | Nation Thailand

Thailand 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.

2 Comments

Leave a Reply

Thaiger

If you have story ideas, a restaurant to review, an event to cover or an issue to discuss, contact The Thaiger editorial staff.

Related Articles

Leave a Reply

Check Also
Close