The opposition Move Forward party has admitted that it has been investigating an allegation, made by a female volunteer, of sexual harassment against one of its MPs.
The allegation appeared recently on social media, featuring an online chat between the MP in question and a female volunteer, in which the MP mentioned a sex toy and allegedly made a sexual gesture.
Nattawut Buaprathum, a party-list MP and chair of the Move Forward party’s disciplinary and ethical committee, told the media today (Wednesday) that the party had received a complaint of harassment in August and has already set up a panel to investigate, adding the probe is still under way.
He said that evidence received by the committee is, however, not sufficient to prove that the MP is in the wrong.
Meanwhile, deputy House speaker Padipat Suntiphada, a former Move Forward MP, said that the House cannot investigate the allegation because it does not yet have an ethical committee and the opposition leader’s post is vacant.
He noted, however, that both the accuser and the accused must be treated fairly and should be given a chance to present their evidence.
He also said that the matter has not been discussed with the Move Forward party, because a complaint has not yet been filled with the House of Representatives by the accuser.
