Chuvit under heavy fire for defamation

Former House speaker Yongyuth Tiyapairat yesterday filed two civil lawsuits against TV show host Chuvit Kamolvisit and others over broadcasts linking him to money laundering and human trafficking activities.

He is demanding 100 million baht in damages for each suit.

The civil actions follow defamation lawsuits which the veteran politician lodged with the Criminal Court against the same people earlier this month.

The first lawsuit was lodged against Chuvit and his two co-hosts, Pasit Apinyawat and Pitchayatan Chanput, in connection with broadcasts made on Channel 33 HD. BEC Multimedia Co, the operator of Channel 33 HD, was also named in the lawsuit.

Mr Yongyut demanded 100 million baht in compensation from the four for allegedly damaging his reputation.

In the second lawsuit, Mr Yongyuth is seeking 100 million baht in compensation from Chuvit and co-host Aratchporn Chaladol and Triple V Broadcast Co, the operator of Thairath TV, for allegedly defaming him in a programme broadcast on Thairath TV.

Udom Prongfah, Mr Yongyuth’s lawyer, said civil action was taken against Chuvit and those involved in the programmes because they implicated Mr Yongyuth in criminal activities which were untrue and damaged his reputation.

In the two programmes, aired in January in the wake of the Victoria’s Secret Massage raid, Mr Yongyuth was allegedly linked to Chiang Rai Football Club and to illegal financial activities including stock manipulation.

Mr Udom said Mr Yongyuth had nothing to do with the football club and never conspired with anyone to launder money or manipulate stocks.

He said the accusations made by Chuvit and the others may have caused irreparable damage to his client and they should be held responsible for their actions.

He said media outlets should examine the facts and verify information before going public or face legal action.