Polling Agency Petitioned to Probe PM’s Mini-Heart Gesture

[webfact]

File photo

 

In an unusual development, serial petitioner Ruangkrai Leekitwattana has urged the Election Commission to investigate Thailand Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and several cabinet ministers for making a mini-heart gesture while donning their official uniforms.

 

The gesture, captured during a group photo at Government House on September 7, has sparked debates about its appropriateness in an official setting.

 

Ruangkrai, known for his rigorous petitions, had earlier approached the National Anti-Corruption Commission on the same matter reported INN News, September 16.

 

He contends that the PM's actions may breach ethical standards outlined in the Constitution, specifically citing Section 17, paragraph two of Section 27, Section 170 (5), and Section 160 (4) (5). According to Ruangkrai, such breaches warrant forwarding the case to the Supreme Court for a final ruling.

 

Adding weight to his argument, Deputy Prime Minister and Energy Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga made a notable comment during a TV Channel 8 interview on September 10.

He declared that performing the mini-heart gesture while wearing a government uniform is not permissible, stating, "It is not ugly or disgusting; it’s about the government uniform. I had mentioned this earlier."

 

Pirapan, who leads the Ruam Thai Sang Chart Party and is closely allied with former Prime Minister and current Privy Councillor Prayut Chan-o-cha, reinforced the gravity of Ruangkrai's petition.

 

According to Pirapan, the rigid decorum expected in official settings was disregarded when the Prime Minister first made the gesture, prompting other ministers, including Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, and Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit, to follow suit.

 

The so-called "Korean finger heart" gesture, popularised by K-pop idols in the 1990s, involves forming a small heart shape by snapping the thumb and index finger together. While a benign symbol of love and gratitude among fans, its use in a formal governmental context has now led to serious scrutiny.

 

This incident has opened a broader debate about the interplay between cultural expressions and official decorum, and whether such gestures have a place in governmental conduct. With the Election Commission now petitioned, the coming weeks will reveal whether this seemingly innocuous act holds any consequences for the country's top leadership.

 

-- 2024-09-17

 

 

[thaigirlwatcher1]

Nothing else to worry about in Thailand? One of the opposition parties planting a seed for the next coup? 

[madmitch]

Falling asleep in Parliament is fine. Assaulting a reporter is fine. Having a criminal record for drug smuggling is fine. 

 

But make an innocuous gesture whils wearing a paramilitary dress uniform is a breach of political ethics, in the same way hosting a cooking programme on Tv was a few years back.

 

Is there any hope for Thai politics?

[Tarteso]

This gesture, in my country, is meaning;

MONEY. 🤔

[Sig]

15 minutes ago, Tarteso said:

This gesture, in my country, is meaning;

MONEY. 🤔

Looks like the heart gesture to me! Just in action, like what the heart is doing while contemplating a cascade of brown envelopes... hmmm maybe they were doing the same motion, but the camera only caught a freeze frame of their unintentionally signaled corruption!

Edited September 16 by Sig

[Sig]

1 hour ago, webfact said:

He contends that the PM's actions may breach ethical standards outlined in the Constitution, specifically citing Section 17, paragraph two of Section 27, Section 170 (5), and Section 160 (4) (5). According to Ruangkrai, such breaches warrant forwarding the case to the Supreme Court for a final ruling.

Hang 'em high!

[hotchilli]

1 hour ago, webfact said:

In an unusual development, serial petitioner Ruangkrai Leekitwattana has urged the Election Commission to investigate Thailand Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and several cabinet ministers for making a mini-heart gesture while donning their official uniforms.

There must be better things to petition them with.

[edwinchester]

What a joyless, pathetic man this waste of skin is.

[MCos]

This incident should open a broader debate about whether any notice should be taken of this serial petitioner and general trouble maker

[dinsdale]

1 hour ago, Tarteso said:

This gesture, in my country, is meaning;

MONEY. 🤔

As you can see for yourself there is clearly a difference. The mini heart gesture does not have the forefinger and thumb rubbing together. Way off the mark with this one mate.

[Butts]

Small Heart? Where I come From it Means Pay Me the Money, Often Used by Prostitutes.  Very Fitting Guesture for Corrupt Politicians.

[Kerryd]

Considering the Shinawatra's track record of stuffing their own pockets with public money every time they are in power - it's not hard to imagine that some people might see that gesture as a sign that it's about to happen again.

"Woohoo - we're back and we're going to make MONEY !"

While her gesture was probably innocent in nature (it is a common gesture in Thailand - I see people use it at weddings and birthdays all the time and it's not about "money") - given her family's history, some might think otherwise.

And considering how easy it is to have a Prime Minister ousted, it could be worth a shot to try and get her booted.
Depending if the "power behind the scenes" wants it to happen. (As in, whoever tells the Constitutional Court how to rule on any given matter.)

And let's not forget, her dad is still facing charges of lese majesty and his attempt to "flee" the country again was denied (when he pretended he needed to go back to Dubai for medical consultations and was told he could have those consultations done in Thailand).

Lots of intrigue ! I find it funny how some seem to think she'll be in office for her full term with all that's gone on in just the first week.

[newbee2022]

3 hours ago, webfact said:

File photo

 

In an unusual development, serial petitioner Ruangkrai Leekitwattana has urged the Election Commission to investigate Thailand Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and several cabinet ministers for making a mini-heart gesture while donning their official uniforms.

 

The gesture, captured during a group photo at Government House on September 7, has sparked debates about its appropriateness in an official setting.

 

Ruangkrai, known for his rigorous petitions, had earlier approached the National Anti-Corruption Commission on the same matter reported INN News, September 16.

 

He contends that the PM's actions may breach ethical standards outlined in the Constitution, specifically citing Section 17, paragraph two of Section 27, Section 170 (5), and Section 160 (4) (5). According to Ruangkrai, such breaches warrant forwarding the case to the Supreme Court for a final ruling.

 

Adding weight to his argument, Deputy Prime Minister and Energy Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga made a notable comment during a TV Channel 8 interview on September 10.

 

He declared that performing the mini-heart gesture while wearing a government uniform is not permissible, stating, "It is not ugly or disgusting; it’s about the government uniform. I had mentioned this earlier."

 

Pirapan, who leads the Ruam Thai Sang Chart Party and is closely allied with former Prime Minister and current Privy Councillor Prayut Chan-o-cha, reinforced the gravity of Ruangkrai's petition.

 

According to Pirapan, the rigid decorum expected in official settings was disregarded when the Prime Minister first made the gesture, prompting other ministers, including Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, and Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit, to follow suit.

 

The so-called "Korean finger heart" gesture, popularised by K-pop idols in the 1990s, involves forming a small heart shape by snapping the thumb and index finger together. While a benign symbol of love and gratitude among fans, its use in a formal governmental context has now led to serious scrutiny.

 

This incident has opened a broader debate about the interplay between cultural expressions and official decorum, and whether such gestures have a place in governmental conduct. With the Election Commission now petitioned, the coming weeks will reveal whether this seemingly innocuous act holds any consequences for the country's top leadership.

 

-- 2024-09-17

 

 

Well, I guess Paetongtarn is very unhappy with her gesture. In reality she wanted to show only her middle finger to public......showing her diamond ring, what else?

[Slocum]

When you have monkeys there, it only produce Peanuts 🥜. Just trying to split hairs unnecessary.... How can the Thailand move forward....Too much rubbish and Low Scums there....This country needs a Hard Wash and Scrub to rid this wastefull idiots.....around..

[jippytum]

These petty objections by publicy seeking activists are a waste of time. 

There should be a fine if an  objection ls judged to be frivilous

 

 

[lordgrinz]

This has got be the most petty issue I have ever seen, the polling agency should ask the petitioner(s) if they have a screw loose.

[proton]

3 hours ago, madmitch said:

Falling asleep in Parliament is fine. Assaulting a reporter is fine. Having a criminal record for drug smuggling is fine. 

 

But make an innocuous gesture whils wearing a paramilitary dress uniform is a breach of political ethics, in the same way hosting a cooking programme on Tv was a few years back.

 

Is there any hope for Thai politics?

 

You missed out bribing the electorate with 10k baht then abolishing the party who won the election and the man who should have been PM! Ethics and Thai politics just don't belong in the same sentence.

[Gandtee]

'Breach ethical standards?' Are ethics understood here? When I look at those supposedly put there to lead the country I have my doubts.😔

[Tropicalevo]

Yet when Prayut made the same gesture, no one said a thing.

Strange that.

[Srikcir]

4 hours ago, webfact said:

"It is not ugly or disgusting; it’s about the government uniform

Maybe it's about time to change from military-style uniforms identified with undemocratic coups to business attire for civil service. "Demilitarize" civil service that should be serving the Thai public.

[ujayujay]

Ruangkrai Leekitwattana Problems I would like to have, but, nice try

[Artisi]

1 hour ago, edwinchester said:

What a joyless, pathetic man this waste of skin is.

Man, now that's a stretch. 

[Artisi]

15 minutes ago, Srikcir said:

Maybe it's about time to change from military-style uniforms identified with undemocratic coups to business attire for civil service. "Demilitarize" civil service that should be serving the Thai public.

Not workable, the campaign ribbons, wings and the gold braid would look out of place. 

[Xonax]

She really looks like her dad:

 

[Patong2021]

Pettiness on a grand scale. In functioning democracies this irresponsible activity would be ridiculed  and/or condemned for wasting people's time.

[jchfriis]

Utterly laughable if it wasn't for the the fact that it may very well be taken seriously and oust one more government.

[Sydebolle]

The dinosaurs are out roaming the land again. What kind of nonsense is this petition? 

But then, praise the Lord - our prayers have been heard. Thailand has no other problems whatsoever and can waste its peaceful time with such absolute nonsense. 

I - for one - don't care but it gives those usually grim-looking, in stone chiseled faces a more human touch; the days of "standing to attention" in each and every photograph are ..... thank God ..... over in all other countries - except possibly North Korea?  

[Dave1954]

These people need to get a life

[MarkBR]

Thailand should put the dinosaurs in a theme park for public edification.

[Andycoops]

Neanderthal's continue to be allowed to disrupt the running of the country.

 

Scrap the uniform culture as it is just so absurd along with the wearing of certain colours on different days of the week.

 

It's the 21st century.

 

Uniforms shouldn't be worn by civil and public servants, only those in the relevant services e.g police, fire etc etc

 

As in most other modern countries.