The Criminal Court on Wednesday granted bail for former Pheu Thai Bangkok MP Karun Hosakul after he was sentenced to 16 months in jail for defaming former Democrat Party MP Tankhun Jitt-itsara.
Former Pheu Thai Bangkok MP Karun Hosakul
Mr Karun was released on bail pending appeal against the judgement after the court approved his request and offer of a 300,000 baht surety.
The lawsuit was filed by Mr Tankhun, who accused Mr Karun of making remarks construed as insulting him and damaging to his reputation at two campaign rallies in Don Muang district on June 3 and 12, 2011. The two were rival candidates in Bangkok's constituency 12 in the July 3, 2011 election.
Among the offensive remarks made by Mr Karun was that the actor-turned-politician once posed naked for a gay magazine.
The court found Mr Karun guilty and sentenced him to two years in jail without suspension. The sentence was commuted by one-third to 16 months for his useful testimony during the trial.