Journalists Demand Probe After Gen Prawit Slaps Reporter

[webfact]

File photo courtesy: Thai Rath

 

The News Broadcasting Council of Thailand and the Thai Broadcast Journalists Association have called for an ethics inquiry into Palang Pracharath Party leader Gen Prawit Wongsuwon’s alleged slapping of a reporter. The incident, which was captured on video last Friday, has stirred significant controversy and prompted demands for accountability.

 

The president of NBCT, Supan Rakchuea, stated that the video shows Gen Prawit, a former deputy prime minister, slapping a female reporter on the head with his right hand. The reporter had asked him about the House's election of Pheu Thai Party leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra as the new prime minister. Rakchuea mentioned this isn't the first instance of such behaviour from Gen Prawit, highlighting the need for political ethics and protection of journalistic duties.

 

The formal complaint refers to clauses 12 and 13 of the parliamentary code of conduct. Clause 12 requires MPs to respect others' rights and freedoms and refrain from insulting behaviour. Clause 13 prohibits threats or physical assaults by MPs during parliamentary activities or elsewhere. Penalties for violations include warnings, condemnation, or an apology before the House.

 

Prawit's party, Palang Pracharath, is the third-largest coalition party, holding 40 MPs. However, the party faces internal conflicts. On Tuesday, the party’s secretary-general, Thamanat Prompow, announced the formation of an independent faction loyal to him. He claimed support from 29 MPs, speculating that the party would not reappoint him for a cabinet position due to his controversial past. Thamanat had served four years in an Australian prison for a 1994 heroin importation conviction.

 

Journalists’ groups argue that politicians must be held to ethical standards, highlighting the importance of respecting the press's role in democracy. They urged politicians to abstain from hostile interactions and simply decline to comment when unwilling to answer questions. The outcome of the ethics inquiry could set a significant precedent for the treatment of journalists in Thailand.

 

The News Broadcasting Council of Thailand and the Thai Broadcast Journalists Association have called for an ethics inquiry into Palang Pracharath Party leader Gen Prawit Wongsuwon’s alleged slapping of a reporter. The incident, which was captured on video last Friday, has stirred significant controversy and prompted demands for accountability.

 

The president of NBCT, Supan Rakchuea, stated that the video shows Gen Prawit, a former deputy prime minister, slapping a female reporter on the head with his right hand. The reporter had asked him about the House's election of Pheu Thai Party leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra as the new prime minister. Rakchuea mentioned this isn't the first instance of such behaviour from Gen Prawit, highlighting the need for political ethics and protection of journalistic duties.

 

The formal complaint refers to clauses 12 and 13 of the parliamentary code of conduct. Clause 12 requires MPs to respect others' rights and freedoms and refrain from insulting behaviour. Clause 13 prohibits threats or physical assaults by MPs during parliamentary activities or elsewhere. Penalties for violations include warnings, condemnation, or an apology before the House.

 

Prawit's party, Palang Pracharath, is the third-largest coalition party, holding 40 MPs. However, the party faces internal conflicts. On Tuesday, the party’s secretary-general, Thamanat Prompow, announced the formation of an independent faction loyal to him. He claimed support from 29 MPs, speculating that the party would not reappoint him for a cabinet position due to his controversial past. Thamanat had served four years in an Australian prison for a 1994 heroin importation conviction.

 

Journalists’ groups argue that politicians must be held to ethical standards, highlighting the importance of respecting the press's role in democracy. They urged politicians to abstain from hostile interactions and simply decline to comment when unwilling to answer questions. The outcome of the ethics inquiry could set a significant precedent for the treatment of journalists in Thailand, reported Bangkok Post.

 

-- 2024-08-23

 

 

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[MikeandDow]

Nothing will happen

[2baht]

Hey Big Fella, give the journo's involved one of your ill gotten watches!!!

[hotchilli]

5 hours ago, 2baht said:

Hey Big Fella, give the journo's involved one of your ill gotten watches!!!

He wouldn't give them the time of day, let alone a watch.

[nakhonandy]

Nothing will happen, he's untouchable.

In many countries he'd be charged with assault. 

If the journalists really want change they should push that aspect.

[Purdey]

7 hours ago, webfact said:

Clause 13 prohibits threats or physical assaults by MPs during parliamentary activities or elsewhere. Penalties for violations include warnings, condemnation, or an apology before the House.

Probably just get a warning then.

[TheFishman1]

Has anybody ever figured out how many millions he has in watches the politics share as good as any soap opera on TV TIT

[Will B Good]

Just now, TheFishman1 said:

Has anybody ever figured out how many millions he has in watches the politics share as good as any soap opera on TV TIT

 

He doesn't even own a watch.....they are lent to him by a friend.

[PETERTHEEATER]

One of the tsunami early warning buoys moored offshore in the Andam Sea needs to be retrieved for maintenance.

 

I should like to nominate a replacement........