Sutath Meesiri, People's Party MP candidate for Nonthaburi District 6, expressed regret and called the incident a lesson after a volunteer on the first day of campaigning showed the middle finger to a Kla Tham party candidate. He has suspended the perpetrator and will let the law take its course. Tags: [politics, election, local news, Nonthaburi, campaign, political parties, misconduct]
At 13:30 on 6 Jan 2025 GMT+7, Sutath Meesiri, People's Party MP candidate for Nonthaburi District 6, spoke about a defamation complaint filed by Kunakorn Mannateerai, Kla Tham party candidate for the same district. The complaint followed a social media post showing an incident at a market where a People's Party volunteer made a middle finger gesture and mimicked shooting before pushing Kunakorn Mannateerai, a former People's Party MP for the area. Sutath noted suspicious elements suggesting the event might have been staged or provoked, as the team knew in advance they would campaign at the market at the same time, with recordings prepared. The volunteer involved was new and introduced by someone experienced in the area but caused trouble on their first day.Tags: [defamation, political dispute, election, campaign incident, Nonthaburi, social media]
Sutath Meesiri said the letter he wrote explaining the incident, which circulated on social media, was a private communication intended only for his provincial team and party executives to clarify the facts. He wrote it to avoid repeatedly answering questions and was unaware it had leaked to the media. The letter was an internal party explanation aiming to resolve the matter amicably so everyone could continue their duties.Tags: [political communication, internal statement, party affairs, clarification, media leak]
Sutath said regarding the defamation complaint by the Kla Tham candidate, he is ready to explain and accept the legal process. He views the situation as a lesson in choosing campaign team members. Both he and the party regret the incident but affirm that he campaigns constructively, distributing leaflets and introducing himself in all areas. He acknowledged the incident disturbed his campaign efforts.Tags: [legal process, defamation, campaign conduct, political lessons, election]
However, he and the party have already suspended the volunteer involved and will allow the legal process to proceed. If any wrongdoing is proven, the party will not protect the individual.Tags: [disciplinary action, legal process, political accountability, party policy]