UPDATE: The Bangkok Post has a good article - note that statement by Somkiart to take it outside.
BP: The question now will focus on what the inquiry finds - with talk of 50 MPs being in attendance - we should at least have some idea of that occurred although I imagine there will be some discrepancies between the individuals concerned on what occurred. It will be interesting if the political parties take sides with Dem MPs saying one thing and PPP MPs another. Maybe we have video footage from a CCTV.
Then in terms of punishment. I can't immediately think of similar incidents in Thailand even though such incidents seem to be popular in Taiwan and some other countries. A NZ Cabinet Minister also recently punched an opposition MP in the face inside parliament's grounds and was demoted. I think it will really turn on whether he was (a) pushed/shoved as claimed, and (b) whether he actually hit Somkiart with his kick. If the inquiry concludes he actually kicked/hit Somkiart without physical provocation, PPP will need to do something to distance themselves and will have to act quickly. A censure? The question is how can you demote an MP or do PPP just let the criminal process take its course. I think much will turn on whether Karun then make a tearful apology admitting his "sins" or is steadfast that he did no wrong. It seems with a bit of contrition politicians can get away with a lot, but that depends on public opinion.
The Nation reports:
A government coalition MP decided to take things to a physical level yesterday by kicking an opposition member.
People Power Party member Karun Hosakul kung-fu kicked Democrat Somkiart Pongpaiboon yesterday while he was dining.
But, Karun being no Bruce Lee, missed widely barely touching Somkiart's right leg.
The incident occurred about 3pm.
Witnesses say Somkiart was eating with colleagues at the Parliament cafeteria when Karun entered and launched his ineffective attack.
Karun then lashed out with a fist, but missed again. Then the pair got into a shouting match, with Somkiart on the end of heated abuse.
In fact, Karun got so worked up that he had to be restrained by police officers and other PPP members.
Media rush in
As soon as word of the brawl got out, members of the press rushed to the scene and managed to witness some of the altercation until chief government whip Chai Chidchob came to take Karun away.
Somkiart says he'll seek the prosecution of Karun for assault.
Speaking to the press later, Karun said Somkiart was the first to shove him, and that he responded with a push and then they started arguing. He denied trying to kick Somkiart.
The Democrat Party says it will support Somkiart if he decides to file charges against Karun.
The party will also demand that the Speaker look into the incident and punish the unruly member.
How it all started
Karun was reportedly unhappy at Somkiart's behaviour in Parliament in the lead-up to the incident.
During yesterday's session, PPP, including Karun, attacked Somkiart for his involvement in a rally organised by People's Alliance for Democracy at Thammasat University last week. Somkiart is one of the five leaders of PAD.
Thai Rath also notes that the Acting Speaker (PPP guy) has called for a committee to investigate the matter and follow up on a report by the parliamentary police. It states that Somkiart has admitted to talking badly about Chalerm as Chalerm had challenged PAD. Karun is reported as saying in parliament that he went to the parliamentary cafeteria and went to ask Somkiart something to which Somkiart responded "Who are you. I don't know you". Then someone shoved him and insulted him. Upon hearing Karun's explanation in parliament, Democrat MPs shouted at Karun. Some Democrat politicians who witnessed the incident then stated they would would given evidence to any committee set up. Karun is reported as saying that "I am not new to the political science and that he never imagined a more senior person to not say the truth". Later, Abhisit suggested that the Deputy Speaker serve as chairman of the investigation committee.
Another Thai Rath report states that up to 50 MPs saw the incident. Democrats believe he intentionally tried to hurt Somkiart and planned it. A complaint has been made to the Dusit Police Station.
The Manager reports on what Somkiart told the police and that he was in the parliamentary cafeteria when a person he didn't known came to his table and yelled - which basically translates as - "What the fuck do you want Somkiart?" and the kicked him. A fellow Democrat MP grabbed this unknown MP. He states that he didn't know who the MP was until about 15 minutes later. A fellow Democrat MP was acting as his lawyer and they said they will press charges.
The Manager of course is all over the story and goes into much further detail about Karun's previous history as reported in The Nation:
>> Karun Hosakul, 41, allegedly beat his former wife, Ratchadawan. In April 2005, she divorced him.
>> Two months after the divorce, Karun attacked her at Don Mueang Airport as she returned from a trip abroad. Karun grabbed her hair, slapped her and threatened to disfigure her. She was rescued by airport guards.
>> In 2006, Karun assaulted a guard at an abandoned cinema, when he and his friends were refused entry. He kicked the guard twice in the head, reportedly shouting: "I will be back. Don't you know who I am?"
>> In 2007, as a Bangkok City Councillor, Karun head-butted an undercover policeman at a cock fight.
>> In 2005, Karun was stopped from contesting a Bangkok seat because he lacked the educational qualifications required.
BP: According to the Manager, the undercover policeman is actually a Pol. Lt. Col. and was a Deputy Commander. Charges have been brought against Karun in regards to the incident.
Given the allegations of Karun's previous behavior, there seems to be a pattern here. Surely, there are enough witnesses to the event that we will be able to find more details of what happened as opposed to relying solely on the words of the two individuals concerned. I imagine some words were exchanged and that Karun, in a fit of anger, lashed out. I would guess the final straw was some statement to the effect by Somkiart of not knowing who he was. This attack of his own importance seems to have set him off. Most reports state that he actually didn't physically touch (hit?) Somkiart.
Makes you wonder how someone with Karun's violent past can even be accepted into a political party, let alone win an election.
Background checks must not be a high priority for PPP, or do they think wife bashing is acceptable to the electorate?
Hobby: I think it is more on whether the person can win. I was initially surprised the media printed some of the earlier allegations because in the past they have been known to cave when allegations are floating around.
I would hope that the PPP does not try to protect him. It would really be in their own best interest to distance themselves from this sort of thuggish behavior.
The images of drunken and aggressive pro-Thaksin protestors at The Nation offices and other venues last year was one of the things that turned Bangkok residents against the party.
This is probably a greater threat to the image of the PPP than the PAD.
never a dull day in thai politics - patiwat
Observer, I agree and I think it won't take much for the Bankokians to look at this incident, think about Thaksin and the upcoming cases and think: "Here we go again". This in itself would generate publicity and quite possibly a resurgence (to some degree) of PAD support. I note today's Nation has the picture of Thailand's newest 'Tony Ja' MP and a headline "Fears of violence......."
R&W,
In fact, I think that the only way the PAD can be a real threat in the short term is if the government cracks down or if violent drunken mobs harass them.
I was actually surprised to read that PPP supported had thrown rocks, bottles and worse at the PAD last week.
Say what you want about the PPP, but I thought they were smarter than to shoot themselves in the feet this early on. Thaksin may have to give them a little talking to.
I think The Nation is a bit hysterical and will screech about violence at the smallest opportunity. However, I agree with your assessment of how Bangkok will react to Karun's antics.
What a piss-poor low caliber bunch Thailand's politicians, police, military, business community and elite all are. Wouldn't pay a single one of them to even sweep the street they are so *ing useless!