Deferred jail term for Sondhi, Sarocha | Bangkok Post: news

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Deferred jail term for Sondhi, Sarocha

The Criminal Court on Thursday sentenced Sondhi Limthongkul, a Peoples Alliance for Democracy (PAD) leader, and Sarocha Porn-udomsak to six months each in jail, suspended for two years, after finding them guilty of defaming former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

In the lawsuit, Mr Sondhi and Ms Sarocha are the first and second defendants, and Manager Media Group Plc the third defendant.

The lawsuit stated that on Aug 24, 2007 Mr Sondhi and Ms Sarocha hosted a programme "Yam Fao Paen Din" broadcast on ASTV which featured speeches they made to PAD supporters in the United States.

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  • Jake Elwood

    Discussion 9 : 02/09/2010 at 04:27 PM9

    Somboon - I am sure all sides would get similar treatment from a simple defamation ruling, what damage has been done? Sondhi hurt Thaksin's feelings? Oh Diddums! Like you I have no love for either of them and wish they would take their personal fight elsewhere (hey, maybe back to China?) and stop involving Thailand and Thai people.

  • bankrupt

    Discussion 8 : 02/09/2010 at 03:59 PM8

    Will he pay his bills for the newspaper announcements ?

  • Bill W

    Discussion 7 : 02/09/2010 at 03:21 PM7

    Sure! What did you expect? Look who Sondhi and his gang are associated with? Proves again it's not what you know, it's what color shirt you wear!
    Good going Thailand!

  • Strange sentence?

    Discussion 6 : 02/09/2010 at 03:02 PM6

    How somebody like Sondhi - who has already been convicted in other trials get a suspended sentence is beyond me? Suspended sentences are usually reserved for first time offenders who have had no previous convictions.
    This sentence also confirms that Sondhi and Co. are using the higher institution for their own political gain and should be charged accordingly now!

  • Geoff

    Discussion 5 : 02/09/2010 at 02:58 PM5

    Jail sentences terms for defamation have no place in a modern society - another area where Thailand needs to reform and grow up.

    Anyone defamed has the right to a public apology and maybe financial compensation for damages suffered, but that is all. This law is largely used (as in Singapore) to silence critics of the rich and powerful.

  • puzled

    Discussion 4 : 02/09/2010 at 02:55 PM4

    I always thought u only get suspended term. How many Sondhi upto now? can some let us know.

  • Geoff O

    Discussion 3 : 02/09/2010 at 02:49 PM3

    #1 Khun Somboon. We all know double standard exist here in every direction but in this instance , it is only a defamation action, Mr TS has been known to make comments about the main subject of the trial so the penalties seem reasonable and just in this occasion.

    Lets see what happens with the Airport trial.

  • Heinz

    Discussion 2 : 02/09/2010 at 02:04 PM2

    WOW..... first Time!!!!

    But the fine is .....nothing!!!

  • Somboon

    Discussion 1 : 02/09/2010 at 12:25 PM1

    And Abhisit said Thai justice rules on fact and evidence only without doubling the standard?

    I neither care for Toxin nor Sondhi, but the justice of slapping on the wrist for the Yellow/PAD and 20,000 baht fine is farcical.

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