Activist Boonma Takes Up Case of Actress Threatened for Five Years
Activist Dr. Panida Vongphudit is taking up the case of actress Neen Chatchaya, who has endured five years of harassment including house intrusions and explicit messages from a former government official, vowing to pursue the matter to the
On August 13, Dr. Panida Vongphudit, chairwoman of the Organization for Good foundation, traveled to Bueng Kum Police Station to follow up on actress Neen Chatchaya's complaint after she was harassed and had her private space violated by an individual over a five-year period, through both chat messages and letters. The foundation has stepped in to assist with the case.
Boonma revealed that the actress had previously only recorded incidents and filed a trespassing complaint but no decisive legal action had been taken. The perpetrator's behavior has escalated, with him fantasizing that they are in a relationship and even that they have a child together. The harassment has intensified to include explicit content, house intrusions, and impersonation attempts through food delivery riders and fake identities, leaving Neen extremely anxious and afraid to go anywhere.
Boonma pledged to push the case to the fullest extent of the law and ensure it reaches court. The complaint filed invokes the new sexual harassment law, marking Bueng Kum Police Station's first case under this statute. The new law increases penalties from the standard one year imprisonment for general harassment to three years for repeated acts, and even higher sentences for online harassment.
Investigators have indicated they will expedite summoning the accused for questioning and proceed quickly with prosecution. Boonma warned sternly that if action is not swift, she will pursue the matter herself and track down the perpetrator.
When asked why Neen endured five years of harassment, Boonma explained the actress was taught from entering the entertainment industry to avoid problems, so she tolerated it. However, this case marks a shift in mindset—she no longer needs to suffer in silence.
Regarding the fact that the perpetrator is a former government official, Boonma stressed she has no concerns, noting that whether military or police, the law applies equally. Government officials especially should protect citizens, not harm them. She declared that the nation now knows of the wrongdoing, and warned him to either resolve it directly with her or face consequences.
Boonma assured Neen that her house is nearby and Neen can run there if anything happens, as she will handle the defendant. Neen expressed profound relief and gratitude, saying that over five years of harassment exhausted her emotionally and she felt lost without legal recourse under the old law. Now she sees a path forward and hopes her case will encourage all women to speak up rather than stay silent about harassment.
