The Judicial Yuan’s Disciplinary Court has fined former representative to Thailand Chuang Suo-hang (莊碩漢) NT$300,000 and barred him from serving in public office for two years, after finding him guilty of sexually harassing a female subordinate while he served in Bangkok.
In its recently released ruling, the court found Chuang, who took up the post in Bangkok on July 31, 2022, and resigned following allegations of misconduct on June 21 last year, guilty of behavior unbecoming the head of a foreign mission.
The Judicial Yuan is responsible for disciplinary actions concerning public servants.
Photo: Yang Kuo-wen, Taipei Times
Although his actions have damaged the government’s public image and reputation, Chuang admitted his misconduct and apologized to the victim, the court said.
The court therefore ruled that Chuang should be dismissed from his post and barred from serving in public office for two years, together with the NT$300,000 fine.
Chuang can still appeal the ruling.
The ruling was handed down after the Control Yuan impeached Chuang in July over sexually harassing a woman who worked under him in the Thai office.
In its July press statement, the Control Yuan said that during his tenure, Chuang, 68, harassed the woman physically and verbally, including by holding her hand and inviting her into his room to discuss speech drafts.
Chuang’s behavior made the female subordinate feel scared, uncomfortable and offended, but she did not feel she could speak out because of his position of power, the government watchdog said.
Along with the impeachment, the case was referred to the Disciplinary Court for trial, the Control Yuan said at that time.
In his defense during the Control Yuan investigation, the senior Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) member apologized and said he deeply regretted his behavior, which he saw more as a friendly gesture with no intention to harm.
He apologized for causing the woman “misunderstanding and displeasure,” and also apologized to the Taiwanese public over his “lack of awareness on gender issues.”
Before taking up the post in Thailand, Chuang was vice chairman of the Taiwan External Trade Development Council.
He previously served as Cabinet spokesman, deputy minister of the Overseas Community Affairs Council and a DPP legislator from 2005 to 2008.
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