Politician Denies Slapping Official at Funeral

On August 12, Chai Chana Dej Decho, a Democrat Party list MP and deputy party leader overseeing the southern region, rejected claims that he slapped a Thung Yai subdistrict official during a cremation ceremony. He stated he did nothing of the sort and maintained a respectful, close relationship with the official, speaking normally whenever they meet. They had seen each other the day before without incident.

ChaiChana said he did not know how the report came about and called on whoever provided the information to come forward and explain. "Personally, I confirm I did not do it. There is nothing to pressure me about because I did not do it," he said.

He dismissed suggestions that the incident stemmed from the official not helping with his campaign, saying they are close acquaintances who see each other often and joke around normally, as close friends do. When asked why such a story would emerge if untrue, Chai Chana questioned how the news spread so quickly, noting that the alleged incident occurred on Saturday, August 8, but when he attended the cremation on August 11, he saw the official and they greeted each other, took family photos together, and behaved normally.

When pressed on whether he saw this as discrediting or harassment, Chai Chana said it could be viewed that way but insisted politics should be based on presenting facts to the public. Acknowledging he appeared to be the target, he remarked, "That's right. It happened to me. This is how it is."

ChaiChana confirmed he and the official normally call each other regularly as close friends and that after the news broke, the official was confused and denied any problem existed. He stressed that the two have no issues and care for each other, calling for fairness once the facts emerge.