Thai MP Prawit under investigation after 'slapping' reporter in viral video: summary

What we know

• Prawit Wongsuwon, Thailand's ex-army chief and seasoned politician, is currently being investigated for allegedly slapping a journalist last week, leading to calls for accountability.
• According to multiple news sources, Prawit, the leader of the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP), hit a ThaiPBS reporter on the head after she questioned him about Thailand's new prime minister.
• The incident occurred on August 16, shortly after Paetongtarn Shinawatra of the Pheu Thai Party won a parliamentary vote to become prime minister.
• A party spokesperson also shared that Prawit told the BBC the gesture was meant to be light-hearted, explaining that he was teasing the reporter with whom he shares a close relationship.
• Despite Prawit's explanation, the incident has sparked widespread condemnation. Thai PBS has called for him to take responsibility as they describe his actions as an attempt to intimidate a reporter.
• Media organisations, such as the Thai Broadcast Journalists Association and the News Broadcasting Council of Thailand, have formally requested Parliament to investigate whether Prawit's actions breached the ethical code of conduct expected of MPs.

What they said

“This behaviour is physical harassment. It is also disrespectful to a journalist who was doing her work,” said Senator Tewarit Maneechai who stated that he has requested a parliamentary investigation into Mr. Prawit's conduct, as reported by Yahoo News. Piya Tavichai, a spokesman for the Palang Pracharat Party also added Prawit "Was teasing her as someone who he is close to. Because he was a soldier, the teasing could appear to be violent, but those close to him know that he teases like this all the time.”