Thai PBS and the Thai Journalists Association (TJA) submitted a joint petition to the House Speaker today, demanding an investigation into the conduct of General Prawit Wongsuwan, the leader and an MP of the Palang Pracharath party, over alleged intimidation of a Thai PBS reporter.
The incident took place on August 16 at the office of the Thai Olympics Committee, when a Thai PBS reporter asked General Prawit whether he had watched the live broadcast of the House vote on Paetongtarn’s prime ministerial nomination.
Reacting to the question, Prawit, who appeared to be annoyed, was seen extending his hand to come into contact with the reporter’s head.
Noppadol Srihatai, the executive editor of Thai PBS, said today that he finds General Prawit’s conduct inappropriate, as it allegedly amounts to an assault and was not just kidding around, as claimed by the general.
Noppadol Srihatai, the executive editor of Thai PBS (Left)
He also said that he has discussed the matter with the reporter in question and has come to the conclusion that Thai PBS, as a public broadcaster, must do something to set a precedent that such misconduct against members of the media must not be repeated.
Regarding litigation, Noppadol said this should be the responsibility of the TJA, adding that the reporter does not want to take legal action against General Prawit, due to concern that such an action could affect their ability to perform their duty.
