Bangkok: The Pheu Thai Party’s Bangkok Metropolitan Administration team has initiated legal action against Ms. Rakchanok Srinok, a Bangkok MP for the Prachachon Party, accusing her of defamation and slanderous posts. The complaint was filed by Mr. Phonlaphum Viphattiphumeet, Assistant Minister to the Ministry of Culture and leader of the Pheu Thai Party’s Bangkok Region, along with other prominent party members, at the Bang Chan Police Station.
According to Thai News Agency, the legal action stems from a Facebook post dated August 4, 2015, on Ms. Rakchanok’s personal page, where she allegedly accused the Bangkok Council and Pheu Thai Party members of fearing exposure for corrupt practices. The post included statements suggesting that council members were engaged in dishonest activities and were using voting methods to exclude members from outside the Prachachon Party, leading to damage to their reputations and public misunderstanding.
Mr. Phonlaphum emphasized that freedom of expression in politics should be grounded in fact and not used to unjustly attack individuals. He lauded the dedication and transparency of the Pheu Thai Party’s Bangkok Council members and condemned the baseless accusations that have undermined public confidence in their work.
The complaint highlights the party’s commitment to maintaining the dignity and integrity of its members. Mr. Jirawat Aranyakanon, Deputy Spokesperson for the Pheu Thai Party, remarked that the legal team found substantial grounds for the complaint due to the defamatory nature of the accusations. He stressed the importance of responsible communication, especially for public figures, to avoid spreading misinformation.
Council members Ms. Chayada Viphattiphumeet, Mr. Netiphum Mingrujiralai, Ms. Mathuros Bent, and Ms. Napassorn Phalarawiphong each expressed their dismay at the allegations. They highlighted their commitment to transparency and accountability in budget management and their roles as public servants. The members underscored that the legal action is not politically motivated but is aimed at protecting their reputations and maintaining public trust.
Ms. Napassorn further called for responsible freedom of expression and urged political parties to respect factual discourse in a democratic society. She and her fellow members are determined to pursue the matter legally to preserve their honor and the democratic values they stand for.