A candidate for Bangkok's gubernatorial post punched and kicked a
TV anchorman on October 2 after a heated televised interview, media
reports said.

"The Nation" reported that candidate Chuwit Kamolvisit attacked
Channel 3 newscaster Visal Dilokwanit after being interviewed on a
midday news programme about his campaign and policy platform ahead
of Sunday's election.

Witnesses said that both men looked upset as they were leaving the
studio. Visal had been reportedly explaining to Chuwit that he was
merely doing his job and that he did not intend to offend him
during the interview when the candidate lost his temper, punching
Visal in the face, elbowing him in the back of the head and
stomping on his leg after the anchorman had fallen to the floor.

Questioned later by a Channel 3 executive, Chuwit claimed that
Visal was not neutral and had provoked him with questions based on
their earlier informal chats, which were supposed to be off the
record.

The newsman had a medical check-up and filed a report of physical
assault at the Thonglor police station against Chuwit. He claimed
to have neck and ear injuries. Bruises were also found on his chin,
cheek, ear and leg. Chuwit later said that he became agitated when
Visal implied that he was unmanly.

Visal said that Chuwit seemed to be in a bad mood even before the
programme began. Once the interview started, he said, the
politician often responded with provocative or angry replies.

"The viewers can use their judgement. My duty is to ask questions
and extract facts," said Visal.

The Thai Journalists Association (TJA), a founding member of SEAPA;
and the   Thai Broadcast Journalists Association issued a joint
statement on 2 October denouncing Chuwit's behaviour.

"While his question may displease Chuwit, it is considered a normal
practice for the media, like in many other civilized nations, to
question a person who proposes himself to service the public," the
statement read.

 "Mr. Chuwit has the right not to reply (to Wisal's question) but
has no right to assault others, especially the reporter who is
performing its duty."