A human rights network yesterday urged the Public Health Ministry to take serious disciplinary action against one of its high-ranking officials found guilty of sexually harassing several female subordinates.
Jaded Chaowilai, director of the Women and Men Progressive Movement Foundation, demanded the ministry break its silence on the issue and reveal what action was being taken.
He said Sophon Mekthon, the former public health permanent secretary, who retired at the end of September, had earlier promised harsh disciplinary punishment against the senior official who has so far not been named.
In August, Dr Sophon said an internal inquiry concluded the official had committed the alleged offence and that a disciplinary probe would be carried out to decide punishment.
The original probe was launched after one of the official's female subordinates lodged a police complaint with a video clip showing an incident in which she was sexually harassed, dragged across a room, and had her breasts fondled.
Mr Jaded said Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha commented on the allegation at the time saying that the probe must be conducted with transparency.
The foundation fears the official could have influential friends who could be helping him escape punishment.
"It's no surprise the victims want to know what punishment is being meted out because the ministry did not give them fairness or compensation. Also, the ministry neglected to talk to or provide protection for the victims," he said.
The public also needs to know what is happening. The official must face serious disciplinary action as promised by the ex-permanent secretary as should other officials may of meddled with the probe to help the official, Mr Jaded said.
He said the foundation would stand by and campaign for the victims if they do not receive justice from the ministry.
Meanwhile, Thararat Panya, a university student who sought justice after claiming she was sexually assaulted by a senior student, yesterday said the ministry should take full responsibility and take swift action against the official.
