A Pheu Thai MP slashed his left arm with a knife, in the middle of the general debate in the Parliament today (Tuesday), in a dramatic protest against Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha.
Before the event, which shocked the MPs present, Pheu Thai MP Visarn Techathiravat took to the floor to join the debate, after which he said he had several issues to talk about and he needed to do something.
He then said “Mr. Parliament President, I have been an MP since 1986. I love Parliament, but I don’t want to cause damage to it. I don’t know, however, how to solve this problem. I don’t want to see the kids (protesting students) getting hurt. Permit me to slash my arm for General Prayut. I mean it and wish that it will be the last example and that there will be no more. I give three slashes,” before he started to self-harm.
Parliament President Chuan Leekpai interrupted, telling the Pheu Thai MP to stop, but it was already too late. Then he ordered officials and the parliament medics to tend to the MP’s wounds.
The incident prompted Senator Somchai Sawaengkarn to ask the Parliament President to suspend the debate, noting that the incident was watched live by people across the country on television.
Chuan later said that the incident was unpredictable, hoping that it would not be repeated, adding that it will obstruct the continuation of the debate.
Palang Pracharat MP Sira Jenjakha said, however, that he felt little sympathy for Visarn, accusing him of tainting the image of the House by illegally carrying a knife into Parliament.
-“Today, we are supposed to be finding a way out for the country, not causing chaos or breaking the law, he said, adding that the Pheu Thai MP should be charged with carrying a weapon into Parliament.
