Thaksin withdraws defamation lawsuit

Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra yesterday withdrew a defamation lawsuit against a Mahidol University lecturer over a protest speech in 2013 after she made a public apology.

The lawsuit was lodged against Vorapan Ruangphaka on Feb 17, 2014 over her speech during a street protest in Bangkok against a blanket amnesty bill pushed by the Yingluck Shinawatra administration in 2013.

The controversial bill, seen by its critics as an attempt to absolve Mr Thaksin — who fled the country and went into self-imposed exile to escape a two-year prison term he faces over the Ratchadaphisek land scandal — also sparked a street protest led by then Democrat Party MP Suthep Thaugsuban who later formed the People’s Democratic Reform Committee.

As part of her apology, Ms Vorapan said she did not mean to cause damage but understood her words caused misunderstanding and brought discomfort to Mr Thaksin.

She said she regretted it and apologised for what happened.

Following her apology, Winyat Chartmontri, who acted for Mr Thaksin, proceeded to withdraw the lawsuit filed with the Criminal Court. The court granted him the request.

Mr Winyat said yesterday the court accepted the lawsuit for trial but the defendant sought to negotiate with his client.

According to the lawyer, Mr Thaksin agreed to settle the case out of court if the defendant made a public apology and his client dropped several lawsuits in exchange for an apology.

He said the settlement between Mr Thaksin and the lecturer was also in line with the court’s policy to promote negotiations among parties involved in legal disputes.

Supat Sutthimanas, chief judge of the Criminal Court, assigned judge Suwicha Sukkasemhathai to mediate in the dispute.

Mr Winyat also defended Mr Thaksin’s decision to file a lawsuit against the lecturer even though the ex-premier is living abroad.

He said no matter where Mr Thaksin is, the former prime minister is a Thai national and has the right to protect his dignity and defend himself against unfair accusations, which he would do so as he saw fit.

“He is a former prime minister who contributed a great deal to the country. But there will be people who criticise him over this, which is alright. I think he’s listening,” Mr Winyat said.