The leader of Thailand’s oldest political party this morning resigned under pressure from several parliamentary committees, days after a member of his party became embroiled in sexual violence scandal.
A day after women’s groups called for his ouster, Democrat Party leader Jurin Laksanawisit said he was stepping down from committees he chaired on women’s rights and gender equality. Jurin did not relinquish his party leadership post despite the anger it caused by playing down allegations against Prinn Panitchpakdi, a former deputy leader who has resigned in the face of charges of sexual harassment and rape.
Jurin offered a public apology, saying he felt responsible for inviting Prinn into the party.
“I’d like to express my deepest regret and apologize for everything that happened,” Jurin said.
