The Prawit Wongsuwon Thai Politics thread

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Tension appears to have driven "veteran politician and former army chief Prawit Wongsuwon", 79, to slap a reporter for having the impertinence to ask him how matters now stood in voting for a new prime minister. Or, in his own words later, he “was teasing her as someone who he is close to” in which case he needs care in a home for the mentally infirm. There is teasing someone one is close to, and then there is slapping a reporter in public while "returning from an event with athletes who had just come back from the 2024 Paris Olympics". The one is private sadomasochistic deviance, the other speaks volumes about the arrogance of some Thai politicians and seems to imply non-consensual sex with a weight-lifter.

Prawit Wongsuwon is an avid collector of undeclared "luxury" watches which he insists "were all loaned to him by friends", a statement reminiscent of a tray of day-old mackerel in that both smell fishy. Why politicians wear these things I have no idea, they're forever being photographed and corruption investigators just need to zoom appropriate news pictures on their screens. Either the man has privileged invulnerability or he's a careless fool.

Ten different Rolex models and nine different Patek Philippes? That's just a lack of taste and discrimination, make your mind up which you prefer and stick with it.

https://www.bbc.com/news/videos/cm2nvzn6yn6o

https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/po ... s-ridicule

https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/po ... graft-body

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Thailand’s parliament has said it will investigate a senior politician and former army chief after he was filmed slapping a reporter as she tried to ask him questions.

Prawit Wongsuwon lashed out at a journalist from the public broadcaster ThaiPBS on Friday as she asked him about the appointment of Paetongtarn Shinawatra as the kingdom’s new prime minister.

Prawit, 79, was filmed hitting Duangthip Yiamphop several times around the head as he left a building, demanding: “What are you asking? What? What?”

Prawit, who was Thailand’s army chief in the early 2000s, was one of the architects of the 2014 coup that ousted Paetongtarn’s aunt and the then prime minister, Yingluck Shinawatra.

He went on to serve as deputy prime minister under the military-backed government that ruled until last year.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/artic ... vestigated

This is what happens when you live in a backward country which lacks the rule of law.

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Slow rumblings from the underground...

Pol Lt Gen Piya Tawichai, spokesman for the PPRP, denied rumours Gen Prawit was considering stepping down as party leader.

https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/ge ... inet-posts

I've already seen "an event with athletes" being used as a euphemism on the Internet. It may become even longer lasting than Private Eye's "tired and emotional", still going strong after half a century. Thailand has sent 54 athletes to the 2024 Summer Paralympics this week so there's a lot to play for once they get home.

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We have a new entitled prat under the spotlight to join Prawit Wongsuwon, one Alex Ikwechegh.

Nigerian politician Alex Ikwechegh has caused outrage after he was caught on video slapping and verbally abusing a taxi driver delivering food to his house.

"Do you know who I am?... I can make you disappear in this whole country, and nothing will happen," Ikwechegh was heard saying in the video that went viral.

The altercation apparently started after the driver asked Ikwechegh to go outside to collect the food, rather than him taking it inside.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cwyx3dn488jo

Following extensive public criticism, Ikwechegh apologised for his actions and said that he had reached a "respectful resolution" with the driver. No, sir - you may have reached a resolution with the driver but I can't imagine you will ever be held in respect after this. Go and sit with Prawit on the naughty step.

His tirade spiralled into the kind of language that evokes gangsters, not gentlemen. Using words that would shock even local councillors, he unleashed threats and insults, calling Abuwatseya “stupid” and “silly” while jeering at his “disrespectful” attitude. The disparity between the ideals of an “Honourable” and Mascot’s behaviour became painfully clear in his brazen words, his callous threats a jarring departure from the public respect and humility Nigerians expect in leaders.

Their conversation goes as follows: Alex: “Do you know where you are? Do you know who I am? So, you think I will give you my money with the way you have spoken to me?”

Driver: “I did a job for you, and you have to pay me.”

Alex: “You will not see a penny from me with this great level of disrespect. You are very stupid. Very, very stupid.” (Then, on the phone) “Madam, who is this foolish boy you sent to my house? I can make him disappear from the whole of Nigeria, and nothing will happen.”

Driver: “You have been insulting me, and I have been quiet.”

The exchange continued, with Alex asserting his status repeatedly, eventually slapping the driver three times—each one met with the driver’s plea for payment. Mascot Ikwechegh revealed his belief that power and wealth afford him the freedom to act with impunity, his threats of violence against the driver illustrating a chilling disregard for dignity and fairness.

The fact that Ikwechegh issued a public apology shows that he is at least aware of public opinion. Yet, his apology is undermined by his subsequent court plea of “not guilty,” indicating that he may not be as remorseful as his statement suggested. Indeed, his claim of a journey toward self-discovery and anger management seems hollow when contrasted with his plea and the court’s proceedings.

https://thenationonlineng.net/dear-sir- ... ikwechegh/