PPP scandal: Prawit defends reporter assault as a joke (video)

Palang Pracharath Party (PPP) leader Prawit Wongsuwan responded to critics demanding the politician be held accountable for assaulting a female reporter on Friday, August 16, saying he was only joking and teasing the reporter, with whom he was familiar.

Multiple videos of the PPP leader, Prawit, striking the female Thai reporter on the head were shared on social media on Friday. The incident quickly became a hot topic, rivalling the appointment of Thailand’s new Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra.

The incident occurred after the journalist asked Prawit for his opinion following Paetongtarn’s appointment as Thailand’s 31st PM. Prawit appeared unhappy with the line of questioning and was seen striking the reporter on the head.

The Thai PBS platform later issued an official statement condemning Prawit’s actions and called on him to take responsibility for the incident.

The news agency also urged the Thai Journalists Association, the Thai Broadcast Journalists Association (Thaibja), and the National Press Council of Thailand to implement measures to prevent similar incidents in the future and to protect the rights and safety of Thai journalists.

ThaiRath later reported that Prawit ordered Nut Intaracharoen, a former Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, to call Thai PBS before taking over the call himself.

Previous drama

According to the report, Prawit claimed that he had no intention of physically assaulting the reporter, insisting that his actions were in jest, as he often teased and joked with reporters he knew well.

However, the Thai Radio and Television Journalists Association, along with Thaibja, found that Prawit’s actions went beyond the teasing and joking he claimed. The two organisations intend to request an investigation into Prawit’s violation of political ethics standards.

Prawit previously caused controversy among Thai journalists last year when he allegedly insulted a journalist who had graduated from the Rajabhat University system.

The alleged insult occurred after the journalist asked Prawit how Chaiwut Thanakamanusorn was suited to be a minister. Prawit responded that Chaiwut was perfectly suited for the position because he had graduated from the Faculty of Engineering at Chulalongkorn University, and then asked where the journalist had graduated from.

Prawit later defended himself, claiming that he asked the question to highlight that everyone has their talents and skills, regardless of where they graduated.

UPDATE 1: Prawit under fire for alleged reporter intimidation (video)

Palang Pracharath party leader General Prawit Wongsuwan finds himself in hot water after allegedly intimidating a Thai PBS reporter. The incident, which has sparked outrage, is now being condemned by both Thai PBS and the Thai Journalists’ Association (TJA).

General Prawit, who harboured ambitions of becoming Thailand’s prime minister, was visibly agitated when the reporter questioned him about the live broadcast of MPs voting for Pheu Thai party leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra as the nation’s 31st prime minister. The tension reached a boiling point when, in a video clip that has since gone viral, General Prawit is seen grabbing the reporter’s head while repeatedly demanding, “What’s the question?”

Thai PBS swiftly issued a statement denouncing the incident, highlighting that their reporter was merely performing her professional duties.

“The physical assault was unacceptable.”

The broadcaster emphasised the psychological toll the incident has likely taken on the reporter and other journalists.

The station has now called on General Prawit to take responsibility for his actions, which they deem as crossing the line into intimidation.

Echoing these sentiments, the TJA has also slammed General Prawit’s behaviour, labelling it an affront to the free expression of reporters who were simply doing their job. In their statement, the TJA demanded that the former deputy prime minister own up to his reprehensible conduct.

The TJA further urged all individuals, especially those in positions of power, to show respect for other professions and to exercise caution in expressing anger, which can have far-reaching negative consequences, reported Thai PBS World.

@bangkokpost.official Gen Prawit Wongsuwon slaps a reporter several times after being asked about the PM vote on Friday. #PrimeMinister #Prawit #Thailand #Parliament #ThaiPolitics #Journalist #Reporter #นักข่าว #บิ๊กป้อม #ลุงป้อม #ประวิตร #นายกรัฐมนตรีคนที่31 #อุ๊งอิ๊ง #แพทองธาร #ประวิตรวงษ์สุวรรณ #ข่าวการเมือง #ข่าวการเมืองไทย #ตบหัว #ข่าวtiktok #ข่าววันนี้ #ข่าวด่วน ♬ original sound – Bangkok Post

ORIGINAL STORY: Prawit punchline: PPP leader faces prison after journalist assault

Palang Pracharath Party leader Prawit Wongsuwan faces an assault charge after he lashed out in anger towards a Thai journalist after being questioned about the new Prime Minister of Thailand.

The parliamentary meeting to select a new PM following the removal of ex-PM Srettha Thavisin began at around 10am today, August 16. At the end of the meeting, the leader of the Pheu Thai Party, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, secured 319 votes from Parliament members and became the new PM of Thailand.

Despite the significance of the meeting, Prawit chose not to attend and instead opted to meet Thai athletes who just returned from the Paris Olympics.

At the end of the welcoming event with the athletes, numerous Thai journalists approached Prawit for an interview, inquiring about his meeting with the Olympic contenders and his views on Paetongtarn becoming the 31st Thai Prime Minister.

Regarding his discussion with the athletes, Prawit shared that he encouraged them to secure even more medals for Thailand, despite the country already having achieved its highest medal count ever.

Prawit also expressed his desire to inspire more young people to engage in sports, regardless of discipline, to enhance the nation’s reputation and bring joy to the Thai people.

Angry Prawit

An unexpected moment occurred when a female journalist asked Prawit whether he had watched the live broadcast of the prime ministerial selection. Instead of answering, Prawit lashed out in anger.

“What? What? What are you asking? Asking who?”

Unexpectedly, Prawit raised his hand towards the journalist and struck her. His bodyguards quickly rushed him to the car. Prawit shouted at the journalist before leaving.

“What were you asking? I didn’t hear that.”

The journalist repeated her question but Prawit continued to avoid answering. He expressed his irritation loudly as his car was leaving.

Some news agencies reported that the journalist was struck on the head, while others said she was hit on the arm.

Prawit’s absence from the PM selection meeting today is suspected to be related to a recent conflict between the two parties. The issue stems from the recent election for the governor of Pathum Thani province, where the Pheu Thai Party representative, Charn Puangphet, won.

However, MPs from the Pheu Thai Party, Wan and Chalerm Ubumrung, encouraged Charn’s rival, the independent candidate, Khamronwit “Big Jezz” Thupkrajang. This led to complaints against the two MPs by the party leader, Paetongtarn.

Following the conflict, Wan decided to move to the Palang Pracharath Party, while his father, Chalerm, chose not to attend the PM selection today.

In regards to Prawit’s attack on the journalist, the politician faces severe consequences if the reporter in question files a police complaint. The 79 year old, if found guilty, may face imprisonment of up to two years and/or a fine of up to 4,000 baht.