The Criminal Court on Thursday dismissed a defamation lawsuit brought by former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra against People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) co-leader Sondhi LImthongkul and his two media businesses Thaiday.com Co and ASTV Co.
It was alleged that Mr Sondhi defamed Thaksin in remarks made during a speech on a PAD stage near Government House on Oct 14, 2008, when he accused the former prime minister of infringing on the monarch’s powers by trying to buy grassroots people, taking control of the police force and bribing certain senior military officers to weaken the royal institution.
The PAD leader’s speech was broadcast by ASTV’s satellite channel and posted on Manager Online’s website.
The court ruled there was no witness evidence to clearly show how the defendants defamed the former prime minister.
Mr Sondhi’s speech was made with the intention of protecting the royal institution and was not deemed defamation, said the court. It dismissed the case against the defendants.
Mr Sondhi, executives of the two media businesses named in the suit and their lawyers were present in the court.
The PAD leader and media mogul said he had faith in the judicial procedures and always showed up to acknowledge charges whenever summonsed by prosecutors.