Sirilapas “Mew” Kongtrakarn(left) and Lakkana “Khaek” Punwichai (right) | Photo via Facebook/ สิริลภัส กองตระการ and Instagram/ @kamphaka

 

A prominent female news anchor in Thailand, Lakkana “Khaek” Punwichai, faces widespread backlash after making disparaging remarks about a Member of Parliament, Sirilapas “Mew” Kongtrakarn, who suffers from depression. The incident occurred live on air during a news programme on the NBT channel.

 

Khaek, aged 53, alongside her two male co-hosts, was reporting on the selection of Thailand's new Prime Minister. During the broadcast, she mocked Mew, a People’s Party MP, as she voted for PM Anutin “Noo” Charnvirakul. Khaek’s comments, "Mew, Mew, Mew, depressed Mew voted for Noo. Wish you were depressed and cried more in Parliament," were followed by laughter from her and her co-hosts.

 

Mew, who is actively advocating for mental health care improvements, had previously shed tears in Parliament while urging more support for those suffering from depression. Her public show of emotion was a plea for increased governmental funding and collaboration with health professionals to address mental health issues.

 

The response to Khaek's comments has been swift. Mew's partner, Taechaphon “Pharaoh” Kamsikaew, a well-known YouTuber, defended her with a video statement. He criticised Khaek and her co-hosts for their lack of empathy, stating, “They should not display behaviour like uneducated people.” Pharaoh highlighted that depression is not bound by political lines, urging that the anchors develop better communication skills and exhibit empathy.

 

Mew took to Facebook to address the incident, acknowledging her ongoing battle with depression and her efforts to destigmatise mental health issues. She pointed out the irony of Khaek's behaviour given her support for a party actively working to improve mental health policies. Mew encouraged Khaek to engage in self-reflection and seek information on respectful communication.

 

Public sentiment has largely turned against Khaek, with many calling for accountability. Despite mounting pressure, Khaek has not yet issued a public apology. Today, the network announced her temporary suspension, a move that reflects the growing demand for responsible media conduct and empathy towards mental health issues.

 

This incident has sparked a broader conversation about mental health stigma in Thailand. Advocates argue that high-profile figures, like Khaek, hold significant influence and bear the responsibility of setting a positive example. Her remarks have resonated beyond the political sphere, touching on the cultural challenges faced by those suffering from mental health conditions.

 

Mental health campaigners have taken the opportunity to remind the public of the importance of respectful dialogue and support for those in need. Many hope this situation will lead to stronger awareness and initiatives focused on mental health care, aligning with the calls made by MPs like Mew.

 

The incident underscores the potential harm of thoughtless comments and the necessity for increased sensitivity in public discourse, particularly regarding personal and health-related challenges faced by individuals in all walks of life.

 

As discussions continue, the emphasis remains on fostering a compassionate society, with media personalities being urged to lead by example in promoting a more understanding and supportive environment for those dealing with mental health issues.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-09-08

 

 

The ladies should duke it out in an oil wrestling match, with proceeds going to a mental health charity.