Bangkok: Phumtham Wechayachai, serving as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior and currently acting as Prime Minister, has initiated legal action against Thanaporn Sriyakul, an academic and political analyst, for defamation. The lawsuit was prompted by Thanaporn’s critical remarks made during a television interview, where he commented on Phumtham’s handling of a situation on the Thai-Cambodian border, suggesting that Phumtham should “amputate his leg to replace the lost leg” of a soldier who had died due to a landmine. Thanaporn also questioned Phumtham’s national allegiance.

According to Thai News Agency, lawyer Thongchai Pornset has been authorized by Phumtham to present evidence in the defamation case against Thanaporn. Thongchai asserted that the remarks by Thanaporn were not only defamatory but also had broader implications for international events amidst the current political climate. While most evidence has been gathered, some documents are still pending from military security agencies.

Thongchai emphasized that the legal proceedings are based on factual evidence, devoid of personal bias. He maintained that criticism is a right, but when it crosses a certain boundary, legal protection for the victim is warranted. Thongchai refrained from detailing the specific nature of Thanaporn’s defamation, attributing the determination to the court’s investigation, yet expressed confidence in the evidence. He suggested that the public could discern the seriousness of Thanaporn’s accusations, which implied severe actions such as amputations.

The court has accepted the defamation lawsuit and set a hearing date for October 27 at 9:00 a.m. Thongchai indicated that the possibility of mediation would depend on the actions and potential remorse of the involved parties.