People's Party Addresses ‘Kaewta’ Controversy, Stating She Refused Investigation and Withheld Offender's Name
The People's Party has issued a formal statement regarding Thanissara Chunhavachall's allegations of sexual harassment by a former Move Forward MP, confirming readiness to investigate if she consents.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- The People's Party issued a statement addressing Thanissara Chunhavachall's sexual harassment allegations against a former Move Forward MP.
- Party executives confirmed they were informed previously, but the victim refused an investigation and withheld the perpetrator's identity.
- The party denies protecting offenders and expresses full readiness to launch an immediate probe should she be willing to cooperate.
On August 3, 2026, the People's Party official Facebook page released an urgent statement to clarify facts following revelations by former MP Thanissara Chunhavachall, also known as Kaewta. She had publicly claimed that she was previously sexually harassed by a former Move Forward Party MP, alleging that the party pressured her into silence to protect its institutional image rather than supporting the victim.
According to the party's official statement, the factual situation has been outlined in five key points. The party admitted that top executives were indeed informed of the incident at the time. Thanissara had disclosed the matter to Phicharn Chaowapatwong, who served as the deputy leader of the Move Forward Party back then. Phicharn subsequently reported the issue to Chaithawat Tulathon, the party's secretary-general, recognizing the gravity of the situation and the necessity for a formal investigation and disciplinary measures if wrongdoing was proven.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
However, the party explained that the primary obstacle preventing a formal conclusion was Thanissara's explicit insistence at the time. She stated that she only wanted to inform Phicharn of the occurrence but firmly refused to let the party take any official action or disclose the identity of the perpetrator. Consequently, without her cooperation and the suspect's name, the former Move Forward Party lacked the grounds and evidence required to pursue a formal fact-finding investigation.
The issue of handling sexual harassment allegations within political organizations serves as a major test of modern Thai political parties' transparency and ethical standards. Balancing formal internal investigation procedures with a victim-centric approach—respecting the survivor's consent and boundaries—remains a sensitive challenge, especially when victims choose not to initiate formal proceedings.
Furthermore, leadership figures from both the former Move Forward Party and the current People's Party rejected allegations that they forced the victim to remain silent to shield the party's reputation. They asserted that in several other past incidents, formal investigations and strict disciplinary punishments had been executed without exception and publicly disclosed.
Concluding the statement, the People's Party reiterated its commitment to justice, emphasizing that the pathway for investigation has never been closed. If Thanissara is now prepared to proceed, the party is fully willing to handle the case thoroughly, guarantee fairness, and penalize the offender without hesitation. The party has already begun reaching out to Thanissara and relevant witnesses to gather information, firmly stressing that sexual harassment is a severe offense and the party maintains zero tolerance or culture of protecting wrongdoers.
Source: Khaosod Politics
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