Deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra yesterday filed a defamation suit against People's Alliance for Democracy member Somkiat Pongpaiboon, demanding 100 million baht in damages plus 7.5% interest per year. The Civil Court lawsuit accuses Mr Somkiat, a Democrat party MP, of slandering Mr Thaksin in speeches he made at PAD street protests.
Mr Thaksin said Mr Somkiat tarnished his and his family's reputation when accusing him of attempting to bring down the constitutional monarchy and tampering with the justice system to absolve himself of malpractice allegations.
The lawsuit also names ASTV Co and Thaiday.com.
Mr Thaksin also sought an injunction prohibiting Mr Somkiat from making false accusations and the two firms from broadcasting Mr Somkiat's comments.
Lawyer Vanij Pinthavanit told the court Mr Somkiat's comments provoked hostility and hatred towards his client and his family.
The court ordered the defendants to counter the plaintiff's argument tomorrow and accepted the defamation lawsuit for a hearing on Oct 27.
Mr Somkiat has previously been charged with lese majeste for showing disrespect to teachers of Ratchawinit school, which is under royal patronage, by allegedly calling them Khmers.
Meanwhile, the army has petitioned the city police to investigate a speech by Daranee Charnchoengsilpakul, of the United Front of Democracy against Dictatorship, on July 18 at Sanam Luang.
Army deputy spokesman Col Sirichan Ngathong said Ms Daranee insulted the monarchy in her speech.
PAD core member Sondhi Limthongkul earlier criticised city police chief Lt-Gen Asawin Kwanmuang for not charging Ms Daranee, while speeding up the case against Mr Somkiat.
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