Thaksin sues Sondhi demanding Bt1 bn

BANGKOK: -- Caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra Monday filed a civil lawsuit demanding Bt1 billion in damages from 12 defendants he said tarnished his reputation by broadcasting allegations of his involvement in a plot to cling to power.

The civil litigation follows a criminal libel case, filed last month, relating to public comments about the so-called "Finland Declaration", in which Thaksin and others are said to have examined ways of holding on to power in a plot deemed offensive to the monarchy.

The courts have yet to rule on the merits of either case.

Thaksin named 12 individuals and media organisations as having slandered him. Key defendants include anti-Thaksin campaigner Sondhi Limthongkul; Manager Group; and Thaiday Dot Com Co, which provides an uplink service for satellite broadcaster ASTV.

Three academics, Chirmsak Pinthong, Chai-anan Samudvanija and Pramote Nakornthap, are also on the list of defendants.

--The Nation 2006-07-24

Perhaps the courts know the difference in Thai language between "slander" and "criticize."