The son of Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt has apologised for an online tirade against the Move Forward Party, in which he called its supporters “bratty teenagers”, among other things.
Sanpiti “Sandee” Sittipunt, 23, was himself the target of widespread online abuse on Monday after he posted the Instagram message, which has since been deleted.
Mr Sanpiti, who worked as a Pheu Thai campaign volunteer, wrote his commentary in English. “You had your turn,” he began, referring to Move Forward leader Pita Limjaroenrat’s unsuccessful first bid to be approved as prime minister by parliament.
“Pita as PM will never happen. NEVER,” he added, among a list of grievances.
“In summary, nobody wants you in charge. Only bratty teenagers and disobedient children.”
Move Forward supporters were outraged at the comments of the overseas-educated son of a prominent political figure. Within hours, Mr Sanpiti published an apology on his Facebook page.
“I regret my actions and would like to explain that I was only trying to express my opinions, I do not harbour hatred towards any parties or individuals,” he wrote.
“I fully own up that I am very privileged and elitist, that I am inexperienced and uneducated about Thai politics. It is inappropriate and ill-advised of me to comment on politics despite my right to free speech. I am not qualified," he added, also requesting that people show empathy and kindness.
