Nonthaburi Lawyer Sues Phuket Counterpart Over Sex-for-Dropping-Charges Allegation

Picture courtesy of Thai Newsroom

A legal battle brews in Thailand as a Nonthaburi lawyer, Nattachapong Boonkerd—known as Lawyer Kop—files a lawsuit against a well-known Phuket lawyer. The allegations stem from a woman's shocking claim that the Phuket lawyer demanded sexual favours in exchange for not pursuing defamation charges against her.

The unidentified 51-year-old woman sought Lawyer Kop's assistance after receiving distressing demands from the Phuket lawyer. According to her account, the situation arose after she posted a critical comment on Facebook regarding the lawyer's behaviour on a TV show, suggesting that anyone marrying him would face a ruined fate.

In retaliation, the Phuket lawyer allegedly demanded sex to forgo a defamation lawsuit valued at 300,000 baht. Beyond this, he purportedly bragged about connections to a gunman available for hire, heightening the woman's fear and urgency to seek legal protection.

Lawyer Kop is planning to level four charges against the Phuket lawyer: extortion, violation of the Computer Crimes Act, defamation by advertising, and breach of professional etiquette. These charges aim to address the severity of the accusations and protect the woman's safety and reputation.

The woman provided evidence including a chat log and a video of a confrontation with the Phuket lawyer in Ranong province. During this meeting, the lawyer allegedly involved the police and captured footage of her entering a police car. This clip was subsequently shared online, with a misleading caption suggesting her arrest, fuelling public misconception about her culpability. In reality, both parties were merely escorted to the police station for questioning.

This case underscores troubling dynamics within some professional circles and highlights the potential misuse of influence and intimidation tactics, sparking wider discussions on ethics and accountability in legal practices. As the lawsuit unfolds, it draws significant attention to the balance of power and the protection of individual rights within Thailand’s legal framework.

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thai Newsroom 2025-05-21