On December 23, the Civil Court on Ratchadaphisek Road ruled in favor of Mr. Rangsiman Rome, a Member of Parliament for the People’s Party, dismissing a defamation lawsuit filed by former senator Mr. Upakit Pajariyangkun. The plaintiff had sought damages of 20 million baht, claiming Mr. Rangsiman defamed him in a Facebook post linking him to drug trafficking.
Court Findings:
- Legitimacy of Claims:
The court determined that Mr. Rangsiman’s allegations were supported by credible evidence, including official police documents and ongoing criminal proceedings involving Mr. Upakit. The MP had reasonable grounds to believe the allegations were true and acted within his duties as a public representative. - Public Interest Justification:
The court emphasized that Mr. Upakit, as a former senator, held a public position subject to scrutiny. Mr. Rangsiman’s statements were deemed appropriate for a Member of Parliament addressing matters of public interest, especially concerning criminal allegations against a public figure. - No Malicious Intent:
The court found no evidence of malice or intent to falsely accuse Mr. Upakit. The statements were made in good faith, aligned with Mr. Rangsiman’s parliamentary role, and did not constitute personal attacks.
Outcome:
The court ruled that Mr. Rangsiman’s actions did not amount to defamation or wrongful conduct. Consequently, Mr. Upakit's demand for 20 million baht in damages was denied.
Implications:
The ruling reinforces the principle that public officials are subject to legitimate criticism and scrutiny, provided it is grounded in evidence and serves the public interest.