PUBLISHED : 9 Sep 2025 at 12:03
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Lakkana “Kam Phaka” Punwichai (left) and Sirilapas “Mew” Kongtrakarn. (Photo: สิริลภัส กองตระการ)
An online backlash has followed comments by television host Lakkana “Kam Phaka” Punwichai directed at Sirilapas “Mew” Kongtrakarn, a People’s Party MP, during a livestream on the day of the prime ministerial vote.
Kam Phaka reacted to Mew’s support for Anutin Charnvirakul with language widely criticised as offensive, including references to her suffering from depression. “I hope you sink into depression and cry in Parliament.”
Mew, who is receiving treatment for the condition, noted that depression has been recognised as a national health priority and should not be trivialised. She described Kam Phaka’s remarks as inappropriate and called for greater awareness and respect in addressing mental health issues.
Mental health experts warned that jokes about depression could worsen symptoms or trigger relapses, noting that many patients face years of treatment without a full cure.
The Journalists’ Association later issued a statement saying Kam Phaka’s words did not align with professional ethics and could be seen as discriminatory. Voice TV confirmed she would step back temporarily from her programme Kui Klai Khao.
The TV host subsequently acknowledged making the comments and said she accepted public criticism as part of being in the spotlight.
“I won’t make excuses. This is who I am. I admit that I mock many people, and that brings criticism. It is fair enough,” she said.
During the same broadcast, she was also heard using language towards fellow People’s Party MP Tunyawaj Kamolwongwat that drew accusations of transphobia.
Mew has previously received praise from mental health advocacy groups for opposing government cuts to the 2024 budget for mental health and addiction services, which were reduced by 69.4% despite rising patient numbers and an average of 14 suicides per day.