The Criminal Court has delivered the verdict from the Court of Appeals in case no. A.311/2020, in which former Football Association of Thailand (FAT) president Pol. Gen. Somyot Poompanmoung sued former FAT president Worawi Makudi and another person for defamation through public statements.
Somyot filed the lawsuit on February 7, 2020, claiming that during his tenure as FAT president, he was falsely accused by Worawi, who was also a candidate in the February 12, 2020 election for the FAT presidency. The second defendant, Worawi’s legal advisor, was also involved. Somyot sought damages of 5 million baht.
The accusations stemmed from a press conference held on January 21, 2020, where Worawi alleged that FAT's benefit bidding process lacked a bank guarantee, potentially indicating corruption. He suggested that if there were irregularities, it would violate FAT rules that disqualify candidates involved in misconduct. He also criticized the disbursement of FAT funds to clubs ahead of the election, implying it was unethical and potentially influenced the election.
Somyot claimed these statements were false and harmed his reputation built over 40 years, portraying him as corrupt and dishonest. He demanded 5 million baht in damages with 7.5% annual interest.
On January 25, 2023, the lower court dismissed the case, finding no grounds for defamation. Somyot appealed, but the Appeals Court upheld the dismissal. The court ruled that the defendants’ statements were grounded in fact and reflected fair comment under Section 329(3) of the Criminal Code, allowing public critique in matters of public interest. The plaintiff failed to present evidence that the funds were disbursed lawfully or that the statements were false.