Journalists testify in Premsak case

 

The probe was expected to be completed by next week and, if Premsak were found guilty he would be dismissed from his position of Ban Phai Municipality mayor, said Khon Kaen provincial permanent secretary Surachai Wattana-udomchai who heads the committee.

The five reporters included Daily News reporter Korsit Kongchom whose trousers were pulled down, allegedly on Premsak’s orders, in front of others on July 26, Channel 3 reporter Pramote Sribura, Khaosod and Matichon reporter Supol Booncheunchom, KKC TV reporter Pratchya Thepsakul and Nation TV reporter Jittima Janphrom. 

The committee will also hear Ban Phai Municiplaity officials’ testimonies today and Premsak will testify tomorrow as per a summons sent days ago, Surachai said. 

After the fact-finding probe a disciplinary procedure would be carried out under Municipal Act 1953 and if Premsak were found guilty he would be dismissed, he said. 

The matter that reportedly enraged Premsak into instigating the alleged abuse of the reporter was over photos showing him seated next to a Mathayom 5 girl in an alleged engagement or wedding ceremony.

A teacher at a Ban Phai school, who asked not to be named, said the school board met a day after the alleged abuse of the media staff and, via Premsak’s secretary, called for him to accept responsibility after which Premsak did not show up at the school again. 

The school also reported its decision to the Office of Secondary Education Zone 25 and the Khon Kaen provincial education office. The unnamed schoolgirl still went to classes and was taken care of by teachers and a psychologist so she could complete her studies there or elsewhere, the teacher said.