In a surprising incident, a Thai man slapped well-known lawyer Dhammarat Sarapanya at the Central Investigation Bureau’s Complaint Centre in Bangkok. The confrontation stemmed from alleged criticisms made by Dhammarat against Islam, a matter that deeply offended the assailant.
Background on the Confrontation at the Complaint Centre
The altercation took place on November 1 during an interview session as Dhammarat was addressing the media after filing a complaint. The incident was caught on video and quickly went viral on Thai social media.
Dhammarat’s Visit to the Complaint Centre
Dhammarat’s appearance at the complaint centre was connected to a legal complaint he filed against TikTok influencer Beer, who discusses Buddhist teachings and interpretations online. Dhammarat accused Beer of defaming Buddhism, which, under Thailand’s Section 206 of the Criminal Code, could result in fines or imprisonment.
The Sudden Attack by Jaruwate Pongchawee
During the interview, 28-year-old Jaruwate Pongchawee unexpectedly approached Dhammarat and slapped him. Police soon identified Jaruwate and detained him at Phahonyothin Police Station for questioning, revealing a personal motive behind his actions.
Motive Behind the Slap and Personal Ties to Islam
Jaruwate claimed he was motivated by Dhammarat’s past comments about Islam, which he had seen on Facebook. He explained that his wife is Muslim, and Dhammarat’s remarks had deeply offended him, leading him to act in anger.
Jaruwate’s Statement and Denial of Third-Party Involvement
While many suspected Beer’s influence on the incident, Jaruwate denied any involvement from the influencer. He stated that he came to the complaint centre alone to discuss the matter with Dhammarat, who refused to engage in a conversation, prompting Jaruwate’s sudden action.
Dhammarat’s Response and Legal Pursuit
Dhammarat, who has faced similar threats in the past, expressed skepticism about Jaruwate’s account and hinted at possible outside influence.
Dhammarat’s Call for Investigation into Potential Instigators
The lawyer urged the police to investigate Jaruwate’s communication history to determine if anyone had encouraged him to confront Dhammarat. Despite viewing the slap as a minor incident, Dhammarat emphasized his commitment to legal action.
Heightened Security and Dhammarat’s Stance on Self-Protection
Dhammarat mentioned previous encounters with threats, including an attempted shooting. In light of recent events, he hinted that he may increase his personal security measures.
Related Legal Issues Surrounding Dhammarat
Beyond the altercation, Dhammarat faces other legal issues. Recently, he was accused by an individual of hiding a high-value Ducati motorcycle to avoid repossession, a claim he strongly denies. Dhammarat has threatened legal action against anyone attempting to tarnish his reputation.
Conclusion
This incident has sparked a conversation on the intersections of religion, personal beliefs, and free expression in Thailand. As the investigation unfolds, both Dhammarat and Jaruwate face scrutiny, highlighting the complexities of balancing religious respect with individual opinions in public discourse.
