Minister Apologizes for Watching Concert During Parliamentary Session

Suksamruay Wanthaniyakul, Minister attached to the Office of the Prime Minister, issued a clarification on September 10 regarding images that emerged showing her watching an Asni-Wasant concert livestream on an iPad during a House of Representatives session. She sincerely apologized for any misunderstanding that arose and explained the facts from a perspective not previously presented.

Wanthaniyakul said the incident occurred during a lengthy and tense parliamentary session that ran late into the night. She is a longtime fan of the group and had purchased concert tickets in advance but was unable to attend the live event due to returning to her duties serving people in Amnat Charoen province that Saturday.

When she learned that a neighboring colleague was streaming the paid concert on an iPad, she asked the colleague to help her subscribe to the package so she could relieve work stress by watching the concert atmosphere briefly. She emphasized that the images captured only a fleeting moment when performer Nanthida Kaewbuasai took the stage, and she had merely leaned in to admire the artist's costume for a moment.

Wanthaniyakul denied abandoning her parliamentary duties or watching continuously, and she firmly stated that she did not turn up the audio volume, noting that senior members and respected figures were seated nearby and would have immediately admonished her if she had caused a disturbance.

She said she fully respects the media's role in reporting and accepted all feedback. She offered a sincere apology to the public and media if the images caused discomfort, and described the incident as a lesson to improve her conduct in parliament. She reaffirmed that caring for and solving problems for the public remains her top priority and hoped her explanation would clear up confusion and foster mutual understanding.