Parliamentary investigation sought after influential Thai general hits journalist

BANGKOK — A senator in Thailand on Tuesday (Aug 20) formally requested a parliamentary investigation into a veteran politician and former army chief who struck a television reporter on the head after she asked him a question.

Prawit Wongsuwon, 79, a lawmaker and former deputy premier who was involved in the last two coups in Thailand, hit the female reporter on Friday while surrounded by journalists, video footage of which was widely circulated.

A notorious political dealmaker and a central figure in Thailand's two decades of political strife, Prawit, who leads the Palang Pracharat Party, served in the last junta and was deputy prime minister for nine years after a 2014 coup.

"This behaviour is physical harassment," said Senator Tewarait Maneechai, who told Reuters he had requested an ethics probe be conducted into Prawit.

"It is also disrespectful to a journalist who was doing her work," he added.

Palang Pracharat Party spokesman Piya Tavichai said Prawit knew the reporter well and has apologised, adding he could clarify the facts in any parliamentary process.

"He was teasing her as someone who he is close to," Piya said.

"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."

Prawit and the reporter, who works for broadcaster ThaiPBS, could not be reached for comment.

The incident sparked widespread condemnation from Thailand's media community. ThaiPBS asked Prawit to take responsibility for his actions.

Senator Tewarait said he requested an investigation into Prawit through the Senate to be conveyed to the lower house of parliament, which will have 30 days to respond. He said he was unsure what penalty Prawit would face if found guilty.

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