Pom-Pom Pow! Big Pom Slammed for Mock Punch at Reporter Amid Political Tensions
Bangkok — Controversial politician General Prawit Wongsuwan, widely known as “Big Pom,” is facing renewed criticism after a bizarre and tone-deaf encounter with the press, where he pretended to punch a female reporter instead of addressing mounting political tensions.
The 78-year-old leader of the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) made his first public appearance on May 27 following a fall down temple stairs earlier this month. Dressed in a green-and-white tracksuit emblazoned with his party’s new logo, Prawit returned to party headquarters to chair an executive meeting — but quickly veered off script during his interaction with the media.
When a female journalist asked about his recovery, Prawit responded in a high-pitched voice, “I’m fine,” and then mimed throwing playful punches at her. When she replied, “I’m very fine,” he continued the pantomime, insisting he was fit and healthy.
The light-hearted act quickly soured when the conversation turned to serious political issues.
Asked whether party MPs were being warned against defection ahead of the 2026 budget debate — a move commonly dubbed “going cobra” in Thai politics — the former army chief snapped, “Whoa, what are you barking about?”
Pressed further about a possible “cobra wave” and escalating tensions between rival political factions known as the Red and Blue camps, Prawit abruptly ended the exchange. He entered his vehicle, rolled down the window briefly, and delivered a blunt dismissal: “None of my business.”
The incident, reported by KhaoSod, has sparked backlash online, with critics accusing Prawit of disrespect toward the press and a lack of transparency on crucial political issues.
Prawit, long a divisive figure in Thai politics, now faces fresh scrutiny — not only for dodging questions but also for his dismissive behavior at a time when his party is under pressure to maintain unity ahead of key budget negotiations.
