Thai Politician Slaps Woman Reporter For Asking Question, Video Goes Viral

New Delhi: A video of Thailand's veteran politician and former army chief Prawit Wongsuwon has been going viral on social media where he is seen slapping a journalist for asking him questions. Reports claimed that Wongsuwon, the leader of the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP), is accused of hitting a ThaiPBS reporter on the head after she inquired about the newly appointed prime minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra.

The incident took place on Friday, leading the reporter to file a formal complaint against the senior politician. Reacting to the incident, the Thai parliament announced it would investigate the matter.

What's In The Video?

In a video shared on X (formerly Twitter), the 79-year-old senior politician was seen repeatedly striking Duangthip Yiamphop on the head as he exited a building, while asking,"What are you asking? What? What?"

Posting the clip, a user wrote, "A politician is surrounded by journalists while walking down a corridor when one of them asks him a question. Instead of answering it, he raises his hand and slaps her in the head several times before climbing into his vehicle and driving away."

Who is Prawit Wongsuwon?

• Wongsuwon served as Thailand's army chief in the early 2000s.
• He was one of the key figures behind the 2014 coup that ousted then-Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, according to The Guardian.
• Following the coup, he became the deputy prime minister under the military-backed government that remained in power until last year.

Meanwhile, the Thai Journalists Association has condemned Wongsuwon for resorting to "violence against a journalist," stating that his actions are seen as a threat and harassment that undermine press rights and freedoms.