Whistleblower Chuvit Kamolvisit has welcomed the Civil Court's revocation of its injunction which had required him to suspend criticism of the Bhumjaithai Party's cannabis policy.
The court ruled in the former massage parlour tycoon's favour on Friday, citing the importance of expressing opinions on cannabis' benefits and harms to the public.
Mr Chuvit, also a former politician, posted the court's press statement on his Facebook page and wrote: "Urgent! A victory for the people, not a political party. The court has revoked the temporary protection order. Chuvit can now launch a campaign against Bhumjaithai's cannabis policy. Thanks to the court for bringing justice to the people."
Earlier, Bhumjaithai registrar Supachai Jaisamut said the Civil Court had issued the injunction against Mr Chuvit, requiring him to temporarily cease his criticism of the party and its cannabis policy.
Mr Supachai is suing Mr Chuvit in court, accusing him of damaging the party with criticism of its policies.
In response to the party's lawsuit, Mr Chuvit said people have the right to oppose the uncontrolled use of cannabis, adding the decriminalisation of cannabis was the work of Bhumjaithai and its leader Anutin Charnvirakul, who is deputy prime minister and public health minister.
On Thursday, Mr Chuvit said that while he respected the court's order issuing the injunction, he decided to launch an appeal because cannabis decriminalisation was public policy subject to scrutiny.
During the hearing on Friday, the court said the defendant had expressed views on cannabis in a general manner.
Mr Chuvit explained the harms and benefits of cannabis in accordance with opinions of the Psychiatric Association of Thailand, the Royal College of Physicians of Thailand, physicians in general, and the Thailand Consumers Council, it said.
The court found he did not comment specifically on the plaintiff alone and that his views were useful for people's health.