TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) confirmed on Saturday (June 24) that Chuang Suo-hang, Taiwan's representative to Thailand, resigned following allegations of sexual harassment.
The confirmation follows local media reports suggesting Chuang was asked to leave his position after allegedly sexually harassing a female secretary at the representative office. He had been appointed to the role less than a year ago.
Upon the approval of Chuang's resignation by the Presidential Office on Wednesday (June 21), the ministry initially cited "personal reasons" as the cause for his departure. Legislator Johnny Chiang, however, criticized the ministry's handling of the matter, stating that it "creates the impression of a cover-up."
In a phone interview, the spokesperson of MOFA, Jeff Y.J. Liu, addressed the allegations, affirming that the ministry has "absolutely no intention of minimizing or concealing" the issue. Liu also confirmed that the ministry received official complaints from the victim on Wednesday and has initiated an investigation.
The secretary accused Chuang of touching her hand during a business trip to northern Thailand in December last year. She further alleged that he invited her to his hotel room to discuss the itinerary, a request she declined. Reports indicate that she is not the only victim.
On Sunday (June 25), Chuang released a statement asserting that he had shaken the secretary's hand as a gesture of appreciation for her job performance and clarified that she left his room after a five-minute discussion of a speech. He apologized if he had made her uncomfortable, dismissed the claims made by other victims of sexual harassment, and expressed his willingness to cooperate with the ongoing investigation.