Abhisit under fire for 'dumb bitch' jibe
Published: 13 Sep 2013 at 01.07
A noisy chorus erupted Thursday in parliament with ruling Pheu Thai MPs and opposition Democrat MPs trading barbs over Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva's controversial "e-ngo" (dumb bitch) remark, believed to refer to Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra.
Pro-government red-shirt supporters gathered in front of parliament Thursday to hand pha thung (a wrap-around for women) to Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva. The move was in protest against Mr Abhisit's controversial e-ngo (dumb bitch) remark, believed by many to have been directed at Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra. (Photo by Chanat Katanyu)
A war of words occurred shortly after Pheu Thai MP for Khon Kaen Mukda Pongsombat raised her interpellation - a formal right to submit formal questions to a government - to discuss the recent launch of the "Smart Lady Thailand" reality show under the administration's Women Development Fund.
She asked about the progress of the scheme before attacking Mr Abhisit over the controversial comment he made during a rally last Saturday.
Ms Mukda asked the House to play a video clip of Mr Abhisit saying that "no one could compete with her" if there was to be an "e-ngo" (dumb bitch) contest.
Before making this remark he had mentioned the launch of the Smart Lady Thailand reality show, which is presided over by Ms Yingluck.
While the Pheu Thai MP was asking Deputy Interior Minister Pracha Prasopdee to comment on Mr Abhisit's remark, Democrat Party list-MP Watchara Phetthong took to the floor to protest, saying it was a breach of parliamentary regulations as opinions were not allowed in any interpellations raised with parliament.
Deputy House Speaker Charoen Chankomol asked Ms Mukda to revise and reword her question.
But the situation did not improve, with MPs from the two camps, particularly the female MPs, trading barbs.
Democrat Party list-MP Ratchadaporn Kaewsanit defended Mr Abhisit's remark, saying "e-ngo" is not always a rude word and it depends on the context.
Mr Abhisit clarified his remark, saying his speech contained no insulting words against women.
