A recent incident involving a senior Thai politician has stirred controversy and led to an official investigation. Prawit Wongsuwon, a prominent figure in Thai politics, was caught on camera slapping a female reporter, Duangthip Yiamphop, as she questioned him about Paetongtarn Shinawatra's appointment as Thailand's new prime minister.
The altercation occurred while Prawit, 79, was exiting a building. In the video, Yiamphop asks, "Did you see the PM voting at the Parliament? How did you feel?" To which Prawit responds with confusion and then physically assaults her. ThaiPBS, the broadcaster Yiamphop works for, has lodged a formal complaint about the incident.
The parliament has announced it will investigate the matter. If Prawit is found guilty of serious ethical misconduct, he could face suspension from his parliamentary duties or even a lifetime ban.
Prawit, who served as Thailand's army chief in the early 2000s and was a key figure in the 2014 military coup, has previously faced legal scrutiny. In 2018, he was investigated for allegedly amassing luxury watches, although the case was later dismissed.
The Thai Journalists Association has strongly condemned Prawit's actions, calling them a threat to press freedom and journalist safety. Prawit has since apologized to Yiamphop, asserting that he did not intend any harm.
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