Ex-police chief sues reporter for B100m

BANGKOK: -- Pol Gen Sant Sarutanont, former national police chief, is suing Yuwadee Tunyasiri, a senior reporter of the Bangkok Post for defamation, demanding 100 million baht in compensation.

The lawsuit, filed by Pol Sant's lawyer Bancha Paramisanaporn last month, states that Mrs Yuwadee gave press interviews accusing the former national police chief of making indecent advances toward a female reporter.

The lawsuit demands that Mrs Yuwadee pay him 100 million baht compensation plus 7.5% interest and that she publish the court verdict in full in Thai Rath, Daily News, Matichon, Khao Sod, Siam Rath, Phujadkarn and Khom Chat Luek dailies for 15 consecutive days.

The South Bangkok Civil Court set Aug 30 for examination of the suit to decide whether to proceed with the case.

--Bangkok Post 2004-08-04

Another nail in the coffin of Freedom of the Press.

It will be interesting to see who wins.

Another nail in the coffin of Freedom of the Press.

It will be interesting to see who wins.

Looks like you've already made up your mind.

Let's hope this case bucks the trend.

In malaysia this approach has been used for a longer time. And as far as I think I am informed not without succes.

The amount asked is deathly.

Interesting to follow up.

In malaysia this approach has been used for a longer time. And as far as I think I am informed not without succes.

The amount asked is deathly.

Interesting to follow up.

I find the amount 'indecent' considering the average daily wages in Bangkok.

The court should consider this case carefully, 'indecent advances' are usually made in private which means that proof is difficult to obtain.

If this reporter files charges it's the police's duty to investigate, Sant's action go against the right of an individual to protect itself. The indecent amount further indicates that Sant wants to discourage people from complaining against the police. Sant has only right of way when this reporter didn't file charges but only complained in the press.

I think it is high time that the former head of Thai police should be held accountable for leading one of the most corrupt police forces in Asia, this current issue also indicates he has serious problems with 'values' in society as well as the role of the police in general.

Maybe Sant has also an overseas bank account? The interest rate he demands does not really confirm to Thai standards......