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Thailand
This Week in AsiaPolitics

Thailand’s #MeToo moment? Political sex assault scandal sparks debate, calls for change

  • Prinn Panitchpakdi resigned as deputy leader of Thailand’s Democrat Party after multiple sexual assault allegations against him surfaced
  • Thailand has yet to have a #MeToo moment, but activists hope the younger generation’s lack of tolerance for such behaviour will bring about change

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Prinn Panitchpakdi, a former deputy leader of Thailand’s Democrat party, faces allegations of sexual misconduct and rape. Photo: Thai New Pix Handout via Reuters
Vijitra Duangdeein Bangkok
Allegations of rape and sexual assault against a deputy leader of Thailand’s oldest political party have stirred hopes for a belated #MeToo movement in the country, as the revelations also raise questions about the impunity and power enjoyed by Thai men.
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Prinn Panitchpakdi, 44, resigned as a deputy leader of the Democrat Party in the wake of the allegations, with at least 15 other women thought to be preparing legal action against him.

The British-educated ex-banker and son of a former secretary general of the World Trade Organization currently faces three charges of sexual assault and rape. More are expected to follow as additional victims come forward. He was released on bail over the weekend.

Protesters demonstrate outside the Democrat Party’s headquarters in Bangkok earlier this week, after the allegations of sexual abuse against Prinn came to light. Photo: AFP
Protesters demonstrate outside the Democrat Party’s headquarters in Bangkok earlier this week, after the allegations of sexual abuse against Prinn came to light. Photo: AFP

Prinn denies any wrongdoing and has vowed to clear his name. But his resignation seemingly ended a rising political career and threw his party into chaos.

Thai society has yet to undergo the self-scrutiny of a #MeToo movement, despite frequent allegations of sexual assault by powerful men, which are typically smothered by out-of-court settlements.

The volume and severity of allegations against Prinn, however, have opened a debate on the relationship between men, power and sex in Thailand.

#StandWithYouToo

Anna Vidhyaphum accuses Prinn of raping her last year.

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