BANGKOK — A prominent Thai actor and singer has issued a public apology after posting a sexually explicit comment about a young female politician, triggering public outrage and a police complaint just days after Thailand expanded its legal definition of sexual harassment.
Dome Pakorn Lam posted a video apology after his comment appeared under a photograph of Yosuda Keyurapan, known as “Jinnie,” a 26-year-old political newcomer and daughter of Thai Sang Thai Party founder Sudarat Keyuraphan. The comment, which suggested sexual arousal upon seeing her image, was posted beneath a portrait photo shared by one of Dome’s friends on social media.
In his apology, Dome claimed he was intoxicated when he made the comment and didn’t know who the woman was. He said crude jokes about women’s photos were common among his friends, though he later suggested he couldn’t recall making the post because multiple people manage his social media account.
“I was shocked when I learned the truth,” Dome said. “I sincerely apologize. Please do not link me to politics in any way, because I have no interest in it. I will have my team contact Khunying Sudarat to apologize directly.”
Jinnie responded by saying she felt deeply hurt and disappointed. “Such behavior reflects a mindset that fails to respect others — especially when it comes from public figures with influence over society,” she said, adding that she spoke out to protect her dignity and that of all women. “Sexually harassing or degrading communication should not be normalized.”
Legal Action and New Law
The controversy erupted just days after Thailand’s Royal Gazette announced amendments to the Criminal Code on December 29, formally redefining sexual harassment as a criminal offense rather than a minor violation. The revised law now includes harassment committed through computers, telecommunications or electronic devices when such conduct causes distress, humiliation, fear or sexual insecurity.
On December 30, Thai Sang Thai Party spokesperson Pariyes Angkurakitti and the party’s legal team filed a police complaint at Phahonyothin Police Station. Although Jinnie was not severely affected, the party said it sought legal action to prevent similar conduct, particularly from celebrities who should be held to higher standards.
Police said on December 31 they were awaiting further testimony to determine jurisdiction before summoning additional witnesses. Ginny told investigators she would be available for questioning after the New Year holiday.
Broader Context
Thailand’s National Human Rights Commission condemned the incident, calling sexual harassment a violation of human dignity and “an unacceptable display of immaturity.”
Advocates say the case and legal amendments reflect growing efforts to protect women and gender-diverse people as Thai society gradually shifts from deeply rooted patriarchal norms that have long enabled harassment and violence against those with less social power.
Female politicians in Thailand have frequently faced sexually abusive language. Former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra was repeatedly targeted with sexual insults by protesters before the 2014 military coup, while her niece, former Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, faced similar abuse during protests against the formation of a cross-bloc government.
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