Abhisit Sues Defence Minister Sukampol For Defamation

[webfact]

Abhisit sues Sukampol for defamation

PRAVIT ROJANAPHRUK,

PRAPASRI OSATHANONT

THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- Defence Minister Sukampol Suwannathat's allegation that Opposition Leader Abhisit Vejjajiva evaded his mandatory military conscription has given rise to new legal procedures.

Abhisit yesterday instructed his legal team to launch court action against the minister for defamation.

"I believe Sukampol has been under political pressure to frame me, hence I have no choice but to take legal action," the Democrat leader said after Sukampol held a press conference to attack him publicly in connection with his military conscription in 1987.

Abhisit went on to say that he had repeatedly pointed out that he did not report for his military duty because at the time he was applying for and subsequently got a teaching job at the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy.

He said he had also provided all the relevant documents needed to prove the waiver of his military duty, adding that the Defence Ministry did not have any fresh evidence to change the 1999 outcome of a military investigation into his records.

Sukampol had cast doubt on the authenticity of the documents on Abhisit's Army reserve status, which were used as credentials for him teaching at the academy in lieu of conscription. He said the ministry would take necessary steps to nullify the appointment, subsequently stripping Abhisit of his sub-lieutenant's rank and demanding that he pay back all the money he earned from the job.

Democrat MP Sirichok Sopha said he was disappointed that Sukampol needed to skew the facts to smear Abhisit.

"Sukampol took so many documents to display at the press conference, but he had nothing new to say on the case," he said.

Sirichok advised Sukampol to do two things - prepare his defence on libel and hand his defence portfolio to red-shirt leader Jatuporn Promphan, whose remarks he has been parroting.

He added that the defence minister had no justification to question the authenticity of Abhisit's reserve status, adding that the case had been closed after no signs of wrongdoing were discovered in regard to the conscription or the teaching job at the academy.

The document, questioned by Sukampol, is known as the Sor Dor 9, which was issued to verify Abhisit's reserve status, he said, adding that this document was issued instead of the original copy, which the Army had misplaced. In addition, the conscription officer in charge at the time had gone to great lengths to notarise the document as a replacement for the misplaced or destroyed copy.

He said he could not understand how Sukampol could allege that a document notarised by the Army could be unlawful.

At yesterday's press conference, Sukampol alleged that Abhisit had used two falsified documents to secure a teaching post at the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy.

However, this incident took place 25 years ago and even Sukampol, who is insisting that the case be officially investigated, has admitted that he does not know if the legal statutory limit has expired in this case. Even for homicide the statutory limit is 20 years in Thailand.

Sukampol also insisted that there were no political motives behind him holding the press conference and that it had not been held to coincide with the ongoing defamation battle between Abhisit and Jatuporn.

Sukampol also said it was unclear whether Abhisit had falsified these documents himself or if someone else had done it for him. The documents in question include one allowing Abhisit to defer his compulsory military conscription and another showing that he was registered with the reserved forces.

The defence minister said it was now up to the ombudsman to look into the matter and take whatever action he deems appropriate. Sukampol later publicly took photographs of all the documents put on display.

Although the minister insists that it is not political, he began attacking Abhisit for taking more than 200 days of leave while he was a lecturer at the military academy in 1988, when he was only entitled to no more than 70 days off a year. "Did he really love the military? He only worked for a few days."

A highly placed source at the Defence Ministry told The Nation that it was not uncommon for the son of an influential person to have such documents forged for him.

"Actually it's rather normal for Thai men who have influential fathers," the senior Army officer said, adding that he felt sorry for Abhisit because nobody would have heard about or even bothered about these documents if he had not entered politics.

-- The Nation 2012-07-28

[ttelise]

What a sissy getting his legal team and running to court to sue for defamation. Handle like a man instead more of the primate intellect pervading Thai political arena. One needs to have thicker skin when entering politics and realize that scrutiny is just the nature of the beast. Didn't see OBama filing lawsuits against Donald Trump or others when they accused him of not be elgible to be president. Now that was a BIG deal.

This is grade school bs that evokes even more immature responses. Grow some cajones and either admit (for once) and say so what or say false, apologogize for dude spending time and resources focusing on something so old and stupid and move on.

Candidly, his actions and MO for dealing with situation make it pretty apparent allegations are correct.

Edited July 27, 2012 by ttelise

[Reasonableman]

Good to get an objective non-partisan assessment of the situation. Thanks.

[siampolee]

What a sissy getting his legal team and running to court to sue for defamation

ttelise ,post # 1 ^^

I would of course presume that you include all the other Thai politicians who have used this tactic in the past in the quote and labelled them as ''sissies too?.

Thaksin was himself rather fond of using the sue and run tactic and I believe you will find he still has cases before the court too.

Candidly, his actions and MO for dealing with situation make it pretty apparent allegations are correct.

You are of course privy yourself to all the facts concerned in the matter, thus your judgement is based upon pure facts rather than your own opinion ?

If so you should present your evidence to the court so as to assist the defendent in his case.

I am sure that the esteemed legal firm ''Messrs Sue, Grabbit, and Run,'' would indeed be delighted to request your appearance in court so as to enhance their case in defending their client as you so clearly state you are fully aware of the guilt of the plaintiff in the current case before the court ?

Edited July 27, 2012 by siampolee

[ttelise]

What a sissy getting his legal team and running to court to sue for defamation

ttelise ,post # 1 ^^

I would of course presume that you include all the other Thai politicians who have used this tactic in the past in the quote and labelled them as ''sissies too?.

Thaksin was himself rather fond of using the sue and run tactic and I believe you will find he still has cases before the court too.

Candidly, his actions and MO for dealing with situation make it pretty apparent allegations are correct.

You are of course privy yourself to all the facts concerned in the matter, thus your judgement is based upon pure facts rather than your own opinion ?

If so you should present your evidence to the court so as to assist the defendent in his case.

I am sure that the esteemed legal firm ''Messrs Sue, Grabbit, and Run,'' would indeed be delighted to request your appearance in court so as to enhance their case in defending their client as you so clearly state you are fully aware of the guilt of the plaintiff in the current case before the court ?

Pfff. Funny.

Not about Thaksin. Who cares what he did, does or will do in the future. Typical response. No one, and I mean no one accepts any responsibility for anything.

Sounds as if "Sue, Grabbit and Run" are counsel for the ambulance chasing litigious Abhist.

[siampolee]

Your lack of presenting any solid facts concerning the matter prove that you accept no responsibility or truth be known cannot accept responsibility for your comments.

Come now show us all the facts you have at hand concerning the case.

[phl]

What a sissy getting his legal team and running to court to sue for defamation. Handle like a man instead more of the primate intellect pervading Thai political arena. One needs to have thicker skin when entering politics and realize that scrutiny is just the nature of the beast. Didn't see OBama filing lawsuits against Donald Trump or others when they accused him of not be elgible to be president. Now that was a BIG deal.

This is grade school bs that evokes even more immature responses. Grow some cajones and either admit (for once) and say so what or say false, apologogize for dude spending time and resources focusing on something so old and stupid and move on.

Candidly, his actions and MO for dealing with situation make it pretty apparent allegations are correct.

So how would a man handle it? Please define for me your definition of a man

[whybother]

What a sissy getting his legal team and running to court to sue for defamation. Handle like a man instead more of the primate intellect pervading Thai political arena. One needs to have thicker skin when entering politics and realize that scrutiny is just the nature of the beast. Didn't see OBama filing lawsuits against Donald Trump or others when they accused him of not be elgible to be president. Now that was a BIG deal.

This is grade school bs that evokes even more immature responses. Grow some cajones and either admit (for once) and say so what or say false, apologogize for dude spending time and resources focusing on something so old and stupid and move on.

Candidly, his actions and MO for dealing with situation make it pretty apparent allegations are correct.

Scrutiny is fine. Lies need to be dealt with.

Edited July 30, 2012 by Maestro
Deleted nonsensical part of post.

[Skywalker69]

What a sissy getting his legal team and running to court to sue for defamation. Handle like a man instead more of the primate intellect pervading Thai political arena. One needs to have thicker skin when entering politics and realize that scrutiny is just the nature of the beast. Didn't see OBama filing lawsuits against Donald Trump or others when they accused him of not be elgible to be president. Now that was a BIG deal.

This is grade school bs that evokes even more immature responses. Grow some cajones and either admit (for once) and say so what or say false, apologogize for dude spending time and resources focusing on something so old and stupid and move on.

Candidly, his actions and MO for dealing with situation make it pretty apparent allegations are correct.

That means that Thaksin must be the biggest sissy.

[ramrod711]

What a sissy getting his legal team and running to court to sue for defamation. Handle like a man instead more of the primate intellect pervading Thai political arena. One needs to have thicker skin when entering politics and realize that scrutiny is just the nature of the beast. Didn't see OBama filing lawsuits against Donald Trump or others when they accused him of not be elgible to be president. Now that was a BIG deal.

This is grade school bs that evokes even more immature responses. Grow some cajones and either admit (for once) and say so what or say false, apologogize for dude spending time and resources focusing on something so old and stupid and move on.

Candidly, his actions and MO for dealing with situation make it pretty apparent allegations are correct.

On the contrary, it is normal for Thais to sue for defamation, Thaksin is and has done this. What would you have Abhisit do, call him out in the street for a gun fight?

[Moruya]

What a sissy getting his legal team and running to court to sue for defamation

ttelise ,post # 1 ^^

I would of course presume that you include all the other Thai politicians who have used this tactic in the past in the quote and labelled them as ''sissies too?.

Thaksin was himself rather fond of using the sue and run tactic and I believe you will find he still has cases before the court too.

Candidly, his actions and MO for dealing with situation make it pretty apparent allegations are correct.

You are of course privy yourself to all the facts concerned in the matter, thus your judgement is based upon pure facts rather than your own opinion ?

If so you should present your evidence to the court so as to assist the defendent in his case.

I am sure that the esteemed legal firm ''Messrs Sue, Grabbit, and Run,'' would indeed be delighted to request your appearance in court so as to enhance their case in defending their client as you so clearly state you are fully aware of the guilt of the plaintiff in the current case before the court ?

Pfff. Funny.

Not about Thaksin. Who cares what he did, does or will do in the future. Typical response. No one, and I mean no one accepts any responsibility for anything.

Sounds as if "Sue, Grabbit and Run" are counsel for the ambulance chasing litigious Abhist.

if someone repeatedly lies about you, that is the legal course to take.

[Orac]

What a sissy getting his legal team and running to court to sue for defamation. Handle like a man instead more of the primate intellect pervading Thai political arena. One needs to have thicker skin when entering politics and realize that scrutiny is just the nature of the beast. Didn't see OBama filing lawsuits against Donald Trump or others when they accused him of not be elgible to be president. Now that was a BIG deal.

This is grade school bs that evokes even more immature responses. Grow some cajones and either admit (for once) and say so what or say false, apologogize for dude spending time and resources focusing on something so old and stupid and move on.

Candidly, his actions and MO for dealing with situation make it pretty apparent allegations are correct.

On the contrary, it is normal for Thais to sue for defamation, Thaksin is and has done this. What would you have Abhisit do, call him out in the street for a gun fight?

If the allegations are untrue then I would expect the accused to welcome a full investigation at the highest level as this would not only prove innocence but also give him ammunition against his opponents for making false allegations as well as the moral high ground for the future.

The defamation route implies something to hide as it is not based around the truth of the allegations but on if someone has been made to look bad. The argument that Thaksins use of the defamation laws to silence critics is reasonable but I don't think doing the same things as Thaksin is exactly good for Abhisits image.

[Reasonableman]

What would you do in his position?

[jonclark]

As far as I can see the documents have the army (?) stamp on them - which I'd imagine makes them 'legal'. If not them the defence minister needs to review ALL of the documents for the last say 15 years of conscription and name and shame ALL the sons and daughters who have done the same as AV allegedly has.

What action will the defence minister be taking against the army for being part of such widespread, well known and accessable supposed pacticipation in the draft dodging?? Probably none, unless the army sues Jatuporn for defamation.

My view is the PTP knows Jatuporn has overshot the mark (widely) and knows he will loose the upcoming trial - which may result in a prision sentence or a significant fine - any guilty verdict against jatuporn will cause problems (a la red shirts) so they are desperatly trying to swing public opinion against AV and the court case by being as vocal in its accusations against AV as Jatuporn was. thuis appeasing the UDD

[geriatrickid]

Mr Abhisit is going to have a problem with the timeline. Abhisit went on to say that he had repeatedly pointed out that he did not report for his military duty because at the time he was applying for and subsequently got a teaching job at the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy. The teaching position came 2 years after his conscription date. I don't recall Mr. Abhisit peviously volunteered for national services, so the 6 month lecturer psoition may not necessarily have satisfied the national service requirement. Fortunately, for Mr. Abhisit, the burden of proof under Thai defamation law works in his favour. Even if the Defence Minister can show that he was truthful, he could still be guilty of defamation.

I don't know if this is brightest political move on Mr. Abhisit's part. Air Chief Marshal Sukampol Suwannathat was a career military officer that volunteered for service.

[ttelise]

What a sissy getting his legal team and running to court to sue for defamation. Handle like a man instead more of the primate intellect pervading Thai political arena. One needs to have thicker skin when entering politics and realize that scrutiny is just the nature of the beast. Didn't see OBama filing lawsuits against Donald Trump or others when they accused him of not be elgible to be president. Now that was a BIG deal.

This is grade school bs that evokes even more immature responses. Grow some cajones and either admit (for once) and say so what or say false, apologogize for dude spending time and resources focusing on something so old and stupid and move on.

Candidly, his actions and MO for dealing with situation make it pretty apparent allegations are correct.

On the contrary, it is normal for Thais to sue for defamation, Thaksin is and has done this. What would you have Abhisit do, call him out in the street for a gun fight?

Haha, the Thai manner of handling politically charged issues works so well. Time to do things differently as repeating same course over and over could just land them in civil war.

To other posters, no. Not fight in street. I said what he should do. Suing for defamation just gives the whole stupid thing more power and greater attention.

[Orac]

What would you do in his position?

I am not in a position to know what exactly happenned so it is a bit difficult to put myself in his shoes. As I said before, if I were innocent of the allegations then I would be pushing for full enquiry.

[jonclark]

What a sissy getting his legal team and running to court to sue for defamation. Handle like a man instead more of the primate intellect pervading Thai political arena. One needs to have thicker skin when entering politics and realize that scrutiny is just the nature of the beast. Didn't see OBama filing lawsuits against Donald Trump or others when they accused him of not be elgible to be president. Now that was a BIG deal.

This is grade school bs that evokes even more immature responses. Grow some cajones and either admit (for once) and say so what or say false, apologogize for dude spending time and resources focusing on something so old and stupid and move on.

Candidly, his actions and MO for dealing with situation make it pretty apparent allegations are correct.

On the contrary, it is normal for Thais to sue for defamation, Thaksin is and has done this. What would you have Abhisit do, call him out in the street for a gun fight?

Haha, the Thai manner of handling politically charged issues works so well. Time to do things differently as repeating same course over and over could just land them in civil war.

To other posters, no. Not fight in street. I said what he should do. Suing for defamation just gives the whole stupid thing more power and greater attention.

Sigh - yes it would be nice if they did things differently, but they must preserve 'face' above all else.

[Reasonableman]

What would you do in his position?

I am not in a position to know what exactly happenned so it is a bit difficult to put myself in his shoes. As I said before, if I were innocent of the allegations then I would be pushing for full enquiry.

Agreed, and if a full inquiry found no wrongdoing, but it still did not end there, what do you imagine you'd do next?

[phiphidon]

What would you do in his position?

How about you tell us your opinion for a change instead of just commenting on others?

[GiHadOrange]

What would you do in his position?

His lawyers could put up a reward of 1 million baht for anyone who can come up with clear evidence that the allegations are true.

[Reasonableman]

What would you do in his position?

How about you tell us your opinion for a change instead of just commenting on others?

Still waiting on your opinion of the complete charter rewrite. You must have had some urgent business yesterday, did you?

[phiphidon]

What would you do in his position?

How about you tell us your opinion for a change instead of just commenting on others?

Still waiting on your opinion of the complete charter rewrite. You must have had some urgent business yesterday, did you?

No, just not interested enough to put across opinions to people who will not read and / or listen to alternative viewpoints and discuss in a reasonable way.

[GiHadOrange]

A highly placed source at the Defence Ministry told The Nation that it was not uncommon for the son of an influential person to have such documents forged for him.

"Actually it's rather normal for Thai men who have influential fathers," the senior Army officer said, adding that he felt sorry for Abhisit because nobody would have heard about or even bothered about these documents if he had not entered politics.

Let's see if feeling sorry saves the Nation's source at the Defence Ministry from Abhisit instructing his legal team to launch court action against the senior Army officer for defamation.

[Reasonableman]

What would you do in his position?

How about you tell us your opinion for a change instead of just commenting on others?

Still waiting on your opinion of the complete charter rewrite. You must have had some urgent business yesterday, did you?

No, just not interested enough to put across opinions to people who will not read and / or listen to alternative viewpoints and discuss in a reasonable way.

Oh right, the old Calgaryll manoeuvre, well done!

[Reasonableman]

Equally, discussion with you is like talkng to the television. One-way broadcast from you. Why bother?

Btw, i apologise for publishing excerpts from the constitution without your explicit permission. Don't want them knowing too much now, do you? ;-)

[phiphidon]

Oh right, the old Calgaryll manoeuvre, well done!

Oh joy,I have a stalker. Welcome to my ignore list.

[Reasonableman]

Oh right, the old Calgaryll manoeuvre, well done!

Oh joy,I have a stalker. Welcome to my ignore list.

You're already on mine, old boy. Lottery and Christmas combined! Thank you for small mercies.

[rixalex]

The argument that Thaksins use of the defamation laws to silence critics is reasonable but I don't think doing the same things as Thaksin is exactly good for Abhisits image.

Whilst i completely agree with you, how absurd it is to see Thaksin's most loyal sycophants nodding their heads in mock agreement at this. If there was the remotest degree of consistency to their garbage, they would be applauding from the rooftops any action from anyone, that could be construed as in any way Thaksin-esque.

[chotthee]

The argument that Thaksins use of the defamation laws to silence critics is reasonable but I don't think doing the same things as Thaksin is exactly good for Abhisits image.

Whilst i completely agree with you, how absurd it is to see Thaksin's most loyal sycophants nodding their heads in mock agreement at this. If there was the remotest degree of consistency to their garbage, they would be applauding from the rooftops any action from anyone, that could be construed as in any way Thaksin-esque.

Mark is learning fast from his hero, Thaksin.