Thai Senator Calls for Probe into Lawmaker's Assault on Reporter

A Thai senator has called for a parliamentary investigation into Prawit Wongsuwon, a veteran politician, after he struck a female reporter on the head. The incident has sparked widespread condemnation. Prawit, a former deputy prime minister, has apologized, but the Senate is requesting an ethics probe to evaluate the behavior.

A senator in Thailand on Tuesday formally demanded a parliamentary investigation into veteran politician and former army chief Prawit Wongsuwon, who hit a television reporter on the head after she posed a question. The incident, captured on video, has drawn widespread condemnation.

Prawit, a controversial political figure associated with two military coups and the leader of the Palang Pracharat Party, has apologized for his actions. Party spokesperson Piya Tavichai claimed that the incident was a playful act, stressing that Prawit and the reporter were familiar with each other.

Senator Tewarit Maneechai, condemning the act as physical harassment, stressed the need for an ethics investigation. The Senate is conveying the request to the lower house, which will have 30 days to respond. The incident occurred after the election of Paetongtarn Shinawatra as Thailand's prime minister, reviving tensions between political factions.

(With inputs from agencies.)