National—
On November 1st, 2023, at the Thai council, after a 6-hour meeting between party executive committee members and Move Forward MPs, there was a resolution to expel Mr. Wutthipong Thonglao, Prachinburi MP from the Move Forward Party.
The decision was made because his actions were considered a serious violation of party discipline for alleged sexual harassment.
As for Mr. Chaiyampawan Manpianjit, Bangkok MP from the Move Forward Party, the members voted less than three-quarters to expel party members. Therefore, for the time being, the final decision was put on hold for further consideration. He has been accused of similar harassment allegations but has refused to resign, causing turmoil in the party.
If there is any behavior that is considered sexual harassment or risky behavior, Chaiyampawan must be expelled from the Move Forward Party, stated many of those who voted for him to be expelled.
However, some members of the party have stated they wanted to see more evidence of Chaiyampawan’s actions before making a final decision.
This has led to what is perceived online as a rift between members of the Progressive party which won the recent Thai general election with the most votes but due to political actions taken in the non-elected Senate, ended up the government opposition and their charismatic former leader, Pita, denied the Prime Minister seat.
MPs from the Move Forward Party, including list MP Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn and deputy spokeswoman Pukkamon Nunarnan, as well as Progressive Movement leader Pannika Wanich and pro-democracy activist Patsaravalee “Mind” Tanakitvibulpon, have publicly called for the resignation of Chaiyampawan.
Meanwhile, Chaiyampawan is likely to speak to the press and make comments on his sexual harassment accusations in the next several days according to multiple Thai media sources.
TPN media will keep an eye on this story which has fascinated Thai media.
