Senator Expresses Sympathy for Thai Chef Who Ejected Her in Iceland

Senator Khunying Porntip Rojanasunan addressed the incident where she was ejected from a Japanese restaurant in Iceland by a Thai chef, expressing her sympathy for him rather than anger. Speaking at parliament, she recounted how the chef approached her and her friends while livestreaming, demanding they leave. "I have experienced so many such incidents, hatred through not knowing each other. I only sympathise with him," she remarked.

The senator described the chef's actions as aggressive, stating he shouted at her in both English and Thai, making her feel as if she were being treated like an animal. She decided to exit the restaurant promptly to avoid any potential physical confrontation, noting that the chef pointed at her face in a derogatory manner. Despite the incident's virality on social media, she chose not to take offense or pursue legal action against him.

Khunying Porntip, who is 69 years old, reflected on her experiences with hostility and stated she was not shocked by the incident. The chef, Ari Alexander Guðjónsson, recorded the confrontation, which quickly spread online. In the video, he can be seen demanding her immediate departure in a public manner.

In a separate context, Khunying Porntip abstained from voting in the first round for prime minister, where Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat did not secure enough support. She also criticized MFP supporters for their harassment of senators with differing views. On that occasion, she indicated she would support the MFP's candidate if they retracted their proposal to amend Section 112 of the Criminal Code, which pertains to the lese majeste law. She emphasized the importance of preventing aggression in political discourse, stating, "If you are obsessed with politics, it will have an impact on everything."