On May 26 at the Criminal Court on Ratchadaphisek Road, the court began preliminary hearings in a defamation case filed by Deputy Commerce Minister Suchart Chomklin against Bangkok MP Raksanak Srinok and Chonburi MP Sahasawat Khumkhong of the People’s Party (P.P.). The case stems from their public accusations regarding the Social Security Office's (SSO) purchase of the Skyy9 building for 7 billion baht during Suchart’s tenure as Labor Minister.
Suchart stated that the accusations made in March falsely implicated him in the building purchase. He emphasized that the transaction was under the Social Security Investment Act and unrelated to his role. He pursued legal action to protect his reputation, asserting that although MPs can investigate through official channels like the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), airing such claims on social media—especially when it affects his family—is unacceptable.
He added that while the MPs saw the lawsuit as time-consuming and costly, the damage to his honor, dignity, and reputation was far greater. He appeared in court personally for the first time in his life, highlighting the seriousness of the issue. According to Suchart, this action should set a precedent that MPs must act with maturity and responsibility, not recklessly defame others.
When asked about seeking damages, Suchart said monetary compensation wasn’t his main goal. He wants the court to determine whether the allegations were baseless, as a warning for future conduct. He also ruled out any possibility of settlement, claiming the pair’s actions were beyond reconciliation and aimed to expose what he described as Raksanak’s habitual defamatory behavior.
Responding to accusations of attempting to silence critics through legal action, Suchart denied it was a “SLAPP” (strategic lawsuit against public participation). He said turning to the legal system was necessary to defend his name and set a standard for how MPs should responsibly pursue investigations.