The alleged perpetrator: Former Chart Thai Party MP Ekapoj Panyaem

The alleged victim: Bang Kradee Mayor Tawatchai Ungumpornwilai

Former MP Punches Local Politician in Pathum Thani

A former MP of the dissolved Chart Thai Party punched the mayor of Bang Kradee in Pathum Thani province following an argument about the budget cut for the reinforcement of the province's main stadium.

Mayor of Bang Kradee municipality in Pathum Thani's muang district, Tawatchai Ungumpornwilai, presented a medical certificate about his injury to police investigators of Pakklong Rangsit Police Station, to back his accusation against former Pathum Thani MP of the disbanded Chart Thai Party, Ekapoj Panyaem.

Tawatchai said he had an argument with Ekapoj during a meeting regarding a budget cut from the 63 million baht allocated by the Sports Authority Of Thailand for the reinforcement of the province's main stadium.

The argument arose because he doubted whether Ekapoj and former Party Leader of the disbanded Chart Thai Party, Banharn Silapa-archa, were eligible to attend the meeting as they are banned politicians.

As a result, Ekapoj allegedly punched Tawatchai in the face.

Eakapoj has denied the allegation, but admitted that he had argument with Tawawatchai. He said the mayor slapped him first, so he needed to protect himself.

The former MP insisted the decision to cut the budget was not a mistreatment as Tawatchai accused.

Tawatchai said he will stage a protest against the cut, from 63 million to 18 million baht, and he will take action against Banharn and Eakapoj as they took part in the meeting.

- TOC / 2009-02-11

The combatants...

and their story (in Thai) from the Khao Sod news website:

http://www.matichon.co.th/khaosod/view_new...HdNaTB4TVE9PQ==