Chalerm Files Defamation Suit Against Four Newspapers On Drunk Allegation

[Thai at Heart]

Of course it is bullying, but how on earth can anyone claim that there is a right to sue the newspapers for defamation??????????

These types of laws that exist here annoy the hell out of me, because they actively serve to keep the status quo to the detriment of society at large, but NO political party of any political persuasion will EVER change them. Why I can guess, but is there NO ONE who cares about making the system better in this country?

one can sue when a story is intentionally misleading. Read the original stories. The newspapers have a duty to check their facts. Are you even aware of what the accusation is based upon? One Democrat MP shouted out an allegation.

The Democrats then went looking through the trash(a possibly illegal act if done on the House property without a search warrant as it was the "property" of the house).

The Democrats made the assumption it belonged to Chalerm. What exactly did they find?

Democrat list MP Boonyod Sukthinthai showed photos of 20 bottles of soda water, two small bottles of spirits and five bottles of wine cooler drinks.

That's an awful lot of soda water. How many people were at this alleged meeting? 5 people? 10 people? 20 people? That is an important part of the story.

What we have is an unsubstantiated allegation and the manner that it was reported was intended to embarass and to defame the Deputy PM.

He accused Chalerm of being drunk in the parliament. This is part of public record pure and simple. Many of these sittings are broadcast on TV aren't they? Why not sue the TV company too?

Are we to assume that reporting the public record is now illegal in Thailand? If so, they may as well make the public record, private. They simply regurgitated a public servants words, now, you can say this was intended to embarrass someone, but are we to deny that the Democrat MP actually made the accusation??? Now I don't agree that it is in good taste that someone accuses someone else of being hammered in parliament, but then again, since when is Thai politics in good taste.

The booze bottles came after the original accusation which was made during a debate in the parliament. What should anyone do now? Get out the tippex and pretend that the statement wasn't actually made? I presume the Dem MP is covered by some sort of parliamentary priveledge so he can't be sued, so the answer is to sue the papers? How about suing the stenographer for writing it down too? How about suing every television manufacturer for allowing the sound to eminate from their TV?

Beyond that, as far as I know, the accusation doesn't even have to be misleading, it can be downright true, but still be construed as damaging reputation, which is just another one of the crazy anomalies of the defamation law in Thailand.

[rubl]

What surprises me most is that theNation isn't sued

[MaiChai]

Of course it is bullying, but how on earth can anyone claim that there is a right to sue the newspapers for defamation??????????

These types of laws that exist here annoy the hell out of me, because they actively serve to keep the status quo to the detriment of society at large, but NO political party of any political persuasion will EVER change them. Why I can guess, but is there NO ONE who cares about making the system better in this country?

one can sue when a story is intentionally misleading. Read the original stories. The newspapers have a duty to check their facts. Are you even aware of what the accusation is based upon? One Democrat MP shouted out an allegation.

The Democrats then went looking through the trash(a possibly illegal act if done on the House property without a search warrant as it was the "property" of the house).

The Democrats made the assumption it belonged to Chalerm. What exactly did they find?

Democrat list MP Boonyod Sukthinthai showed photos of 20 bottles of soda water, two small bottles of spirits and five bottles of wine cooler drinks.

That's an awful lot of soda water. How many people were at this alleged meeting? 5 people? 10 people? 20 people? That is an important part of the story.

What we have is an unsubstantiated allegation and the manner that it was reported was intended to embarass and to defame the Deputy PM.

Well there was the outcry by the lady MP; forget her name. Since she made a point of it and its on the public record in parliament, how can he sue the newspapers, who are just reporting what happened?

I know Charlem is a bit of a drinker and is often seen about town in the early hours when he should be in bed getting sleep for the next day in parliament...

[anterian]

Drunk is a very ill defined subjective word, it can range from only detectable by a blood test to falling down incapable, to stupor. At any time of the day and night I can see all these stages in my village community, alcohol consumption is just part of modern Thai culture. I start my day with a couple of cups of coffee, most Thais in the village start their day with a couple of cans of beer. Chalerm fits the pattern.

[ilyushin]

4 newspapers would be smart to drag even more dirty laundry out now.

[webfact]

Chalerm denies he drunk during charter debate

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung Monday denied that he was drunk during the deliberation of charter amendment bills Friday night.

Chalerm said he had returned from a wedding reception of a son of a senior police officer and he protested after he saw that Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva talked about an issue irrelevant to the charter debate.

He said had he been drunk, he would not have remembered the meeting regulations of Parliament.

He said he did not intend to intimidate Democrat MP Rangsima Rodrassamee when he walked towards her. He said he was simply teasing her without any intention to assault her.

-- The Nation 2012-02-27

[jonclark]

I wonder if Chalerm will be in charge of the annual Songkran anti-drinking campaign?

[rubl]

Yingluck Refuses to Comment on Chalerm Being Drunk During Parliamentary Debate

BANGKOK: -- The prime minister has declined to comment on allegations that a deputy prime minister was drunk during the charter amendment debate, as she has not talked to the deputy prime minister yet.

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra refused to comment regarding Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung's being drunk during parliament's charter amendment debate, at which he showed inappropriate behavior as well as during the consideration of the draft amendments to the constitution.

Meanwhile, Democrat MPs have investigated the trash bin and found a large number of empty liquor and soda water bottles, so that they will propose that the House committee on ethics investigate the matter.

Yingluck said that she has yet to talk to Chalerm about the allegations. However, she said that everyone must respect the parliament's regulations. She added that the opposition has the right to examine Chalerm.

Democrat party list MP Boonyod Sukthinthai disclosed that a large number of empty liquor and soda water bottles have been found in the parliament’s garbage disposal area.

There were 20 bottles of soda water and alcholic beverages. The manager of the Parliament’s canteen confirmed that no alcoholic beverages are sold on the premises, leading Boonyod to believe that some MPs must be drinking alcohol during the interim of the meeting.

The opposition whip will discuss this matter and they will propose that the House Committee on Ethics investigate the matter and determine whether Charlerm will face further dispensary action.

-- Tan Network 2012-02-27

The previous topic with "Rangsima wants alcohol tests ..." had

"Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra reportedly called a meeting with Chalerm after being informed that the House session was briefly suspended due to the allegation of drunkenness."

Now the PM didn't have the time yet to talk with her Dept. PM. Reportedly that is

[AleG]

DPM Chalerm affirms he wasn't drunk during parliamentary session and walked unsteady because of ear infection /TANN

Either he thinks that everyone else in this country is incredibly stupid, or ......

Poor Chalerm, such a bad ear infection that not only he gets tipsy, it even slurs his voice.

[blows]

[blows]

"Yingluck Refuses to Comment on Chalerm Being Drunk During Parliamentary Debate"

The PM mime.

[robia6]

Chalerm denies he drunk during charter debate

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung Monday denied that he was drunk during the deliberation of charter amendment bills Friday night.

Chalerm said he had returned from a wedding reception of a son of a senior police officer and he protested after he saw that Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva talked about an issue irrelevant to the charter debate.

He said had he been drunk, he would not have remembered the meeting regulations of Parliament.

He said he did not intend to intimidate Democrat MP Rangsima Rodrassamee when he walked towards her. He said he was simply teasing her without any intention to assault her.

-- The Nation 2012-02-27

"He said he did not intend to intimidate Democrat MP Rangsima Rodrassamee when he walked towards her. He said he was simply teasing her without any intention to assault her."

He just does what he wants doesn't he.......I wonder if he was pissed when he decided that anyone in prison on a death sentence should die within 60 days.

I agree with an earlier post, how can you appoint this clown as justice minister after his blatant disregard for justice. Everyday it seems, he does something to show how untouchable he is and rub the Thai peoples noses in it.

[OzMick]

How bad must the situation be for the democrats if they have to sniff through his houses' garbage?

Admittedly, he often gives a drunk impression, but really: with a dude like Chalerm, aren't there much

worse things to find than a few bottles of alcohol?

That would be Parliament House - where he works but not HIS.

[chrisinth]

If it wasn;t proven that he was drunk, ie, no blood test or urine sample given, is it not now a "his word against her word" scenario?

Could have been on medication.

Hypothetically speaking of course.

[andy1308]

Just a thought ... I wonder if those (such as this website) who are repeating the allegation are also leaving themselves open to accusations of defamation? This is Thailand and anything is possible, but in other parts of the world that's exactly what might happen in a defemation suit.

[OzMick]

DPM Chalerm affirms he wasn't drunk during parliamentary session and walked unsteady because of ear infection /TANN

Must remember that one next time I come home with a wobbly boot on. Eh? Wot? Can't hear you, I've got an ear infection.

[blows]

Chalerm denies he drunk during charter debate

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung Monday denied that he was drunk during the deliberation of charter amendment bills Friday night.

Chalerm said he had returned from a wedding reception of a son of a senior police officer and he protested after he saw that Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva talked about an issue irrelevant to the charter debate.

He said had he been drunk, he would not have remembered the meeting regulations of Parliament.

He said he did not intend to intimidate Democrat MP Rangsima Rodrassamee when he walked towards her. He said he was simply teasing her without any intention to assault her.

-- The Nation 2012-02-27

"He said he did not intend to intimidate Democrat MP Rangsima Rodrassamee when he walked towards her. He said he was simply teasing her without any intention to assault her."

He just does what he wants doesn't he.......I wonder if he was pissed when he decided that anyone in prison on a death sentence should die within 60 days.

I agree with an earlier post, how can you appoint this clown as justice minister after his blatant disregard for justice. Everyday it seems, he does something to show how untouchable he is and rub the Thai peoples noses in it.

more like 'injustice minister'.

[bigbamboo]

DPM Chalerm affirms he wasn't drunk during parliamentary session and walked unsteady because of ear infection /TANN

Either he thinks that everyone else in this country is incredibly stupid, or ......

How does the expression go?.... don't piss down my back and tell me it's raining! If only ALL politicians would realise that once they set themselves up in the public domain as such they are subject to public opinion. No one forced them to be politicians after all......... well, apart from Yingluck, obviously!

[OzMick]

Yingluck Refuses to Comment on Chalerm Being Drunk During Parliamentary Debate

BANGKOK: -- The prime minister has declined to comment on allegations that a deputy prime minister was drunk during the charter amendment debate, as she has not talked to the deputy prime minister yet.

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra refused to comment regarding Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung's being drunk during parliament's charter amendment debate, at which he showed inappropriate behavior as well as during the consideration of the draft amendments to the constitution.

Meanwhile, Democrat MPs have investigated the trash bin and found a large number of empty liquor and soda water bottles, so that they will propose that the House committee on ethics investigate the matter.

Yingluck said that she has yet to talk to Chalerm about the allegations. However, she said that everyone must respect the parliament's regulations. She added that the opposition has the right to examine Chalerm.

Democrat party list MP Boonyod Sukthinthai disclosed that a large number of empty liquor and soda water bottles have been found in the parliament’s garbage disposal area.

There were 20 bottles of soda water and alcholic beverages. The manager of the Parliament’s canteen confirmed that no alcoholic beverages are sold on the premises, leading Boonyod to believe that some MPs must be drinking alcohol during the interim of the meeting.

The opposition whip will discuss this matter and they will propose that the House Committee on Ethics investigate the matter and determine whether Charlerm will face further dispensary action.

-- Tan Network 2012-02-27

The previous topic with "Rangsima wants alcohol tests ..." had

"Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra reportedly called a meeting with Chalerm after being informed that the House session was briefly suspended due to the allegation of drunkenness."

Now the PM didn't have the time yet to talk with her Dept. PM. Reportedly that is

Reportedly he is coming around to her place tonight with a couple of bottles of Johnny Walker Black.

[pimay11]

Yingluck Refuses to Comment on Chalerm Being Drunk During Parliamentary Debate

BANGKOK: -- The prime minister has declined to comment on allegations that a deputy prime minister was drunk during the charter amendment debate, as she has not talked to the deputy prime minister yet.

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra refused to comment regarding Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung's being drunk during parliament's charter amendment debate, at which he showed inappropriate behavior as well as during the consideration of the draft amendments to the constitution.

Meanwhile, Democrat MPs have investigated the trash bin and found a large number of empty liquor and soda water bottles, so that they will propose that the House committee on ethics investigate the matter.

Yingluck said that she has yet to talk to Chalerm about the allegations. However, she said that everyone must respect the parliament's regulations. She added that the opposition has the right to examine Chalerm.

Democrat party list MP Boonyod Sukthinthai disclosed that a large number of empty liquor and soda water bottles have been found in the parliament’s garbage disposal area.

There were 20 bottles of soda water and alcholic beverages. The manager of the Parliament’s canteen confirmed that no alcoholic beverages are sold on the premises, leading Boonyod to believe that some MPs must be drinking alcohol during the interim of the meeting.

The opposition whip will discuss this matter and they will propose that the House Committee on Ethics investigate the matter and determine whether Charlerm will face further dispensary action.

-- Tan Network 2012-02-27

The previous topic with "Rangsima wants alcohol tests ..." had

"Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra reportedly called a meeting with Chalerm after being informed that the House session was briefly suspended due to the allegation of drunkenness."

Now the PM didn't have the time yet to talk with her Dept. PM. Reportedly that is

Reportedly he is coming around to her place tonight with a couple of bottles of Johnny Walker Black.

If it's not all gone by then.

[Reasonableman]

"The Democrats then went looking through the trash(a possibly illegal act if done on the House property without a search warrant as it was the "property" of the house)"

Thanks, GK, needed a good belly laugh. Oh dear.... a dastardly trashy act...

[blows]

"The Democrats then went looking through the trash(a possibly illegal act if done on the House property without a search warrant as it was the "property" of the house)"

Thanks, GK, needed a good belly laugh. Oh dear.... a dastardly trashy act...

Good ol gk, can always count on him supporting the reds.

[TackyToo]

Wow, Thailand meets Singapoor! After the Lee Kuan Yew clan got rid of all opposition politicians by filing defamation suits against them causing bankruptcy and accordingly disqualification from politics, another fine sample from the hub of lousy copies! Thaksin sues, Yingluck, sues, Chalerm sues…

They will soon run out of qualified lawyers.

First he admits he had a couple of drinks at a wedding, later he said he suffers from an ear infection. Not mentioning any medication? Even an ambulance driver would come up with the diagnosis: this is a bad combination! Hard to believe a police general and member of the club of “most talented politicians of Thailand” don’t’ get that point.

Regarding the drinking habits of MP’s in parliament: Skip Lao Khao and Sang Som get drunk in style with one of these trendy drops! Even though the ruler in Dubai probably sticks to Johnny Walked (red)…

[Colin Yai]

How pathetic

Like a child running to its mother "Mummy that nasty lady said bad things about me and the papers reported them"

He is showing himself up to be a bigger prize prick every day.

And of course his boss was off somewhere advertising herself, as usual, instead of being in the house where she was supposed to be.

Leave the bumbling Idiot alone FF's Sake he's proving to be the best friend the Dems have!,

[bigbamboo]

"The Democrats then went looking through the trash(a possibly illegal act if done on the House property without a search warrant as it was the "property" of the house)"

Thanks, GK, needed a good belly laugh. Oh dear.... a dastardly trashy act...

Good ol gk, can always count on him supporting the reds.

Leave Chalerm alone. We've all had ear infections after a few too many drinks.

Edited February 27, 2012 by bigbamboo

[airconsult]

How bad must the situation be for the democrats if they have to sniff through his houses' garbage?

Admittedly, he often gives a drunk impression, but really: with a dude like Chalerm, aren't there much

worse things to find than a few bottles of alcohol?

Things I have learnt....

Never trust a man who owns a pig farm...

Never take a ride from a man who has a roll of carpet, a shovel and a bag of lime in his car....

Chalerm was found with neither of those....... (but that doesn't mean I trust him)

[bendejo]

IF YOU KILL THAT AGAIN I'LL SAY YOU!

[webfact]

POLITICS

Chalerm denies being drunk, claiming he has long-term ear problem

Photo : Prasert Thepsri

BANGKOK: -- Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung Monday denied that he was drunk during the deliberation of charter amendment bills Friday night.

Chalerm said he had returned from a wedding reception of a son of a senior police officer and he protested after he saw that Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva talked about an issue irrelevant to the charter debate.

He said had he been drunk, he would not have remembered the meeting regulations of Parliament.

Chalerm said he was swaying while walking during the meeting because he has been suffering for more than three months from a disease that causes an imbalance in his ears.

He said he did not intend to intimidate Democrat MP Rangsima Rodrassamee when he walked towards her. He said he was simply teasing her without any intention to assault her.

He said he was older than Rangsima and Parliament was a sacred place so he had never thought about assaulting the female MP.

Chalerm said he was ready to face an investigation by the House committee on ethics but he has file defamation complaints with police against four newspapers to defend his reputation. The four papers are Thai Rath, Thai Post, Naew Na and Siam Rath. Chalerm ssaid he would withdraw the complaint against Thai Rath if it acts as his witness against Rangsima.

-- The Nation 2012-02-27

[Thaddeus]

Chalerm said he was swaying while walking during the meeting because he has been suffering for more than three months from a disease that causes an imbalance in his ears.

Bad translation, he means between his ears.

[blows]

Maybe it's a brain tumor? That would explain a lot.