On August 16, Duangporn Yiampop, a journalist with Thai Public Broadcasting Service (Thai PBS), was allegedly attacked by Prawit Wongsuwon, a member of parliament and the leader of the military-aligned Palang Pracharath Party (PPP), after asking about his absence from parliament during a crucial vote for the new prime minister. The 79-year-old former soldier, Wongsuwon, claims that there was no ill-intent with his action, with a PPP party spokesman describing it as ‘playful teasing’.
In a video published by Bangkok Post, Wongsuwon can be seen slapping Yiampop twice, grabbing the reporter’s head while repeatedly demanding, ‘What’s the question?’, before being restrained by his guards and escorted to his car. Yiampop had asked the politician for his opinion on the recent appointment of new Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra.
The incident occurred outside the Government House in Bangkok, after Wongsuwon had finished welcoming athletes returning home from the 2024 Paris Olympics.
A joint statement by the Thai Broadcast Journalists Association (TBJA) and the News Broadcasting Council of Thailand (NBCT), called for a review of the behaviour of General Wongsuwan, focusing on two articles of the code of conduct for MPs around respect for the rights of others and the prohibition of intimidation, malice, or physical violence. The journalist’s outlet, Thai PBS, condemned Prawit’s actions and called on him to take responsibility for the incident.
A formal request has been made for a parliamentary investigation in Thailand, into whether veteran politician Wongsuwon's actions have violated the ethical codes of conduct for members of parliament. Wongsuwon, a veteran politician and former Army Commander, has served in senior government positions through both civilian and junta governments, with opposition politicians alleging his involvement in Thailand’s 2014 coup.
The NUJT said: “On August 16, 2024, the NUJT issued a statement regarding the case of Gen. Prawit Wongsuwan, leader of the Palang Pracharath Party, who showed violent behaviour towards the media after questioning the case of "Paethongtarn Shinawatra", leader of the Pheu Thai Party, being voted by the parliament as Prime Minister. He asked back, "I don't know what you're asking." Such actions constitute intimidation and threats to the freedom of the media. Therefore, Gen. Prawit is asked to take responsibility for such actions.”
The IFJ said:“True press freedom cannot exist where politicians can attack journalists and media workers and escape with impunity. The IFJ condemns the assault on journalist Duangporn Yiampop, and urges authorities to conduct a swift and thorough investigation into Prawit Wongsuwon’s conduct.”