The Thai Journalists Association has today issued this statement condemning an incident in which a female journalist was struck a number of times by a senior politician

16 August 2024

The Thai Journalists Association expresses concern over the harassment of the press and demands respect for working journalists.

‍Regarding the incident in which General Prawit Wongsuwan used violence against a journalist after she asked him about Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the leader of Pheu Thai, winning the parliamentary vote to become prime minister, and in which he replied by asking, "What are you asking? What are you asking?"

The Thai Journalists Association considers his actions to be threatening and harassing toward the rights and freedom of the press. We ask General Prawit to show responsibility for his actions.

At the same time, we want to warn everyone to be careful about lashing out thoughtlessly in a way that can cause harm, and to avoid this kind of aggressive behavior.

It is important to honor others, whatever their profession, and to be respectful to people doing their jobs.