absolutelyBangkok archive · Food & Drink
Originally published Oct. 2, 2008
Gubernatorial candidate Chuwit Kamolvisit punched a TV anchorman straight in the face and stomped on him for asking questions that were agreed on beforehand to be left off the record. Reports The Nation: “Nearly at the end of the live interview, (Channel 3’s anchorman) Visarn (Dilokwanich) asked Chuwit about the details of his plan to compete against Apirak Kosayodhin.”
“Apirak is seen as the strongest candidate in the Bangkok governor election. While asking the question, Visarn told his audience that Chuwit already gave him the details of his tactic behind the scene. At that moment, Chuwit looked at Visarn furiously and asked him why he talked about the interview behind the scene, which was supposed to be off the record.”
“Visarn shot back with a question whether Chuwit behind the scene is the same with Chuwit on TV. Chuwit argued that what he said behind the scene should be left behind the scene and Visarn should ask him about his campaign plan instead. But Visarn kept on demanding Chuwit to say whether he is the same person behind the scene and in front of TV.” And then the éclat:
“When Chuwit replied Yes, Visarn ended his program immediately. The attack happened right after the end of the program.”
Remember our Chuwit interview. He’s his very own special character, missing his old days with girls all around. And he’s a big guy. Actually looking like a goon. You don’t wanna mess with him. And Visarn called him “unmanly”… him.
But that’s exactly what gives journalists that rotten reputation: Arrogance, untrustworthiness and that meanwhile infamous gotcha-journalism. Doesn’t matter if you get a headline at the expense of trust and credibility.
Uncovering major lies and abuses and crimes is a completely different chapter. Interviewer Visarn though intentionally lured the interviewee into a false sense of confidence — only to stab the astonished guy in the back.
I’d fire Visarn immediately — if above account turns out to be accurate. Not that Chuwit reacted properly. A slightly more diplomatic approach would have been in order.
At the very least he taught that no-good of a journo a lesson. No serious media can work without that basic trust that off the record is off the record.
Nobody would talk to the media anymore.
Chuwit later on apologized. He had to pay a fine of 500 baht. He’d pay 2,000 baht, he said, no problem:
“I will pay the fine. It will be 500 baht for using an elbow and another 500 baht t for stomping on him. I will pay a tip and to make it 2,000 baht in total.”
“However,” he added, “I actually felt good after doing it.”
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