Court acquits Sonthi of not guilty of insulting Thaksin

[webfact]

Court acquits Sonthi of not guilty of insulting Thaksin



BANGKOK: -- The Criminal Court today acquitted media tycoon Sonthi Limthongkun, former leader of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) of libel charge filed against him by former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra in 2008.

Two other defendants, Panjapat Angkasuwan and Panthep Puapongpan of Thaiday Dot Com Co Ltd who ran the alleged statement in its website facing the same charge were also acquitted.

Thaksin sued the former PAD leader for addressing protesters at a rally near Government House in 2008 accusing him of trying to weaken the country’s highest institution, of buying some grass root people, police and soldiers to undermine and weaken the monarchy.

Such allegations were libellous, he said in the lawsuit.

But the court acquitted him reasoning that although his statement was libelous and could cause hatred among the people, what Sonthi said had reason to be spared of penalty.

The court said Sonthi’s statement was considered a criticism which the people could voice under such circumstances.

Besides, the court said the behaviour and speeches delivered by the plaintiff’s followers and supporters at political rallies also had been proved to insult the monarchy and many of them had been convicted by the courts.

Therefore the court said the defendant had the right to criticise and inform the people of attempt by certain groups of people or movement to topple the monarchy so that they could help to protect the institution.

The defendant was not guilty of libel charge, and the court then acquitted all the three of the libel charge.

(Photo : ThaiPBS file)

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/court-acquits-sonthi-not-guilty-insulting-thaksin


-- Thai PBS 2015-02-20

[greenchair]

There you have it ?

[Robby nz]

How come Thaksin can bring law suites against others when he is not here yet cant be tried in the cases pending against him ?

[bruceybonus]

How come Thaksin can bring law suites against others when he is not here yet cant be tried in the cases pending against him ?

why ask why, that's just the way it is!!

[Bob12345]

But the court acquitted him reasoning that although his statement was libelous and could cause hatred among the people, what Sonthi said had reason to be spared of penalty.

And that reason was that Sonthi was wearing the correct color shirt?

The court said Sonthi’s statement was considered a criticism which the people could voice under such circumstances.

Can the court also indicate what the exact circumstances were that certain laws temporary did not apply anymore? And are there more laws in Thailand that are put on hold in certain circumstances like some people saying certain things? Would be nice to know upfront.

Besides, the court said the behaviour and speeches delivered by the plaintiff’s followers and supporters at political rallies also had been proved to insult the monarchy and many of them had been convicted by the courts.

And how does that apply to this case? It sounds like a different case to me involving the followers and the supporters mentioned and has nothing to do with the plaintiff.

[ExPratt]

"Therefore the court said the defendant had the right to criticise and inform the people of attempt by certain groups of people or movement to topple the monarchy so that they could help to protect the institution."

Painful to read isn't it ?. Its not going un-noticed in the rest of the world though and things won't be going one way forever

[PREM-R]

Those yellow shirts must be made of 'Teflon':-

On 1 October 2013, Sondhi was declared guilty of lèse majesté for quoting remarks made by an opponent protesting the 2008 resumption of PAD protests. Sondhi was sentenced to two years imprisonment for defaming the monarchy, then released after posting 500,000 baht ($15,935) in bail.

On 28 February 2012, Sondhi was convicted by a Bangkok Criminal Court of violating the Securities and Exchange Act by falsifying documents to secure a multi-million dollar loan for his media empire, a case dating back to the 1990s. He was handed the maximum sentence possible.

The Security and Exchange Commission accused him of falsifying documents used as collateral for a loan amounting to almost 1.1bn baht ($36m, £22.7m) for his media business.[73]

Sondhi pleaded guilty but was freed on bail pending an appeal against the sentence

Let me save some TV forum members making a post, "...but, but Thaksin...." Yeah, that should do it.

Edited February 20, 2015 by PREM-R

[SaamBaht]

Another one of the fascist mob spared. Ah, Thailand.

But I am no fan of the Thai libel and slander laws which seem only on the books to stifle free speech.

[MikeOboe57]

"Therefore the court said the defendant had the right to criticise and inform the people of attempt by certain groups of people or movement to topple the monarchy so that they could help to protect the institution."

Painful to read isn't it ?. Its not going un-noticed in the rest of the world though and things won't be going one way forever

I have to shatter your wet dream. The rest of the world couldn´t care any less about the shooting down of a pathetic libel lawsuit by some Thai business tycoon. They have other problems to worry about.

[DM07]

Surprise, surprise...again...

[ExPratt]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

"Therefore the court said the defendant had the right to criticise and inform the people of attempt by certain groups of people or movement to topple the monarchy so that they could help to protect the institution."

Painful to read isn't it ?. Its not going un-noticed in the rest of the world though and things won't be going one way forever

I have to shatter your wet dream. The rest of the world couldn´t care any less about the shooting down of a pathetic libel lawsuit by some Thai business tycoon. They have other problems to worry about.

I meant a combination of biased politically motivated judicial decisions, Go and have a look at some news sites and you'll see how much the World "Doesn't give a shit" about what is happening in Thailand

[Srikcir]

"The court said Sonthi’s statement was considered a criticism which the people could voice under such circumstances."

That decision would have been the correct interpretation under the 2007 Constitution.

It's a good thing for Sonthi that his rights were protected against arbitrary and capricious behavior of government officials. This decision might leave Thais with a wish to return to the days that there was a constitution to protect them. Now Thais must contend with Prayuth's personal cliche on who, where, and when people have any rights.

[blaze]

An interesting and probably quite unique interpretation of the term 'justice'.

The court acknowledges that Sonthi's statements were, in fact, libelous ("reasoning that although his statement was libelous..".) it was ok because some of Thaksin's followers were convicted of libel and had not been acquitted.

Make sense?

And I think it is safe to say the every court case involving major players in the Thai arena IS of concern to the international community-- for reasons so obvious that they needn't be spelled out. (unless some missed Russell's recent tirade=- a view no doubt shared though not necessarily articulated, widely. This is precisely what Russell warned of when he referred to the PERCEPTION of unfair applications of law )

I am NOT saying that the courts behaved unfairly- or even irrationally- but the wording of the report would suggest that the media provide a more accurate representation of the court's rationale.-- lest this be perceived as unfair.

Russell understood that when a population loses faith in the fairness of the courts-- then the law becomes that not of the books- but of the jungle. In today's world- a country descending into lawlessness is of global concern

Edited February 20, 2015 by blaze

[MikeOboe57]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

"Therefore the court said the defendant had the right to criticise and inform the people of attempt by certain groups of people or movement to topple the monarchy so that they could help to protect the institution."

Painful to read isn't it ?. Its not going un-noticed in the rest of the world though and things won't be going one way forever

I have to shatter your wet dream. The rest of the world couldn´t care any less about the shooting down of a pathetic libel lawsuit by some Thai business tycoon. They have other problems to worry about.

I meant a combination of biased politically motivated judicial decisions, Go and have a look at some news sites and you'll see how much the World "Doesn't give a shit" about what is happening in Thailand

I followed your advice and - surprise, surprise - apart from the "news sites" by Amsterdam, Adelman and Baker, Thailand is nowhere to be found in the headlines. It is, alas, a most unfortunate timing, as the Shin siblings, this beacon of honesty and democracy, have to compete for public attention with such petty and mundane events as the civil war in Ukraine, IS and Boko Haram, Libya, Syria, Ebola and the financial turmoil in Greece, to name just a few - and finish second.

Life is not fair.

Tigellinus, a vial for my tears!

[ExPratt]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

"Therefore the court said the defendant had the right to criticise and inform the people of attempt by certain groups of people or movement to topple the monarchy so that they could help to protect the institution."

Painful to read isn't it ?. Its not going un-noticed in the rest of the world though and things won't be going one way forever

I have to shatter your wet dream. The rest of the world couldn´t care any less about the shooting down of a pathetic libel lawsuit by some Thai business tycoon. They have other problems to worry about.

I meant a combination of biased politically motivated judicial decisions, Go and have a look at some news sites and you'll see how much the World "Doesn't give a shit" about what is happening in Thailand

I followed your advice and - surprise, surprise - apart from the "news sites" by Amsterdam, Adelman and Baker, Thailand is nowhere to be found in the headlines. It is, alas, a most unfortunate timing, as the Shin siblings, this beacon of honesty and democracy, have to compete for public attention with such petty and mundane events as the civil war in Ukraine, IS and Boko Haram, Libya, Syria, Ebola and the financial turmoil in Greece, to name just a few - and finish second.

Life is not fair.

Tigellinus, a vial for my tears!

Try Newsnow Thailand

[NeverSure]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

"Therefore the court said the defendant had the right to criticise and inform the people of attempt by certain groups of people or movement to topple the monarchy so that they could help to protect the institution."

Painful to read isn't it ?. Its not going un-noticed in the rest of the world though and things won't be going one way forever

I have to shatter your wet dream. The rest of the world couldn´t care any less about the shooting down of a pathetic libel lawsuit by some Thai business tycoon. They have other problems to worry about.

I meant a combination of biased politically motivated judicial decisions, Go and have a look at some news sites and you'll see how much the World "Doesn't give a shit" about what is happening in Thailand

I followed your advice and - surprise, surprise - apart from the "news sites" by Amsterdam, Adelman and Baker, Thailand is nowhere to be found in the headlines. It is, alas, a most unfortunate timing, as the Shin siblings, this beacon of honesty and democracy, have to compete for public attention with such petty and mundane events as the civil war in Ukraine, IS and Boko Haram, Libya, Syria, Ebola and the financial turmoil in Greece, to name just a few - and finish second.

Life is not fair.

Tigellinus, a vial for my tears!

You are referring to mass media - news for the masses. Governments, The US,The EU, The UN, Japan, and others have spoken against the junta and are paying very close attention. They are deciding what type of relationships they will have, and big investors in the US and Japan are deciding which investments to make, and in which country.

All of this hits the Thai news and this forum. We can learn about it here and if you can't find it on google then just search the news on ThaiVisa about what other countries are thinking.

Yes all of this is very damaging to Thailand and it will take a long time to recover IF it has elections and the rule of law once again.

[rubl]

Those yellow shirts must be made of 'Teflon':-

On 1 October 2013, Sondhi was declared guilty of lèse majesté for quoting remarks made by an opponent protesting the 2008 resumption of PAD protests. Sondhi was sentenced to two years imprisonment for defaming the monarchy, then released after posting 500,000 baht ($15,935) in bail.

On 28 February 2012, Sondhi was convicted by a Bangkok Criminal Court of violating the Securities and Exchange Act by falsifying documents to secure a multi-million dollar loan for his media empire, a case dating back to the 1990s. He was handed the maximum sentence possible.

The Security and Exchange Commission accused him of falsifying documents used as collateral for a loan amounting to almost 1.1bn baht ($36m, £22.7m) for his media business.[73]

Sondhi pleaded guilty but was freed on bail pending an appeal against the sentence

Let me save some TV forum members making a post, "...but, but Thaksin...." Yeah, that should do it.

... but, but, but Sonthi was freed on bail and is still in the country.

Anyway, it's nice that seven year old cases are finally closed.

[ExPratt]

<script typ

Life is not fair.

Tigellinus, a vial for my tears!

You are referring to mass media - news for the masses. Governments, The US,The EU, The UN, Japan, and others have spoken against the junta and are paying very close attention. They are deciding what type of relationships they will have, and big investors in the US and Japan are deciding which investments to make, and in which country.

All of this hits the Thai news and this forum. We can learn about it here and if you can't find it on google then just search the news on ThaiVisa about what other countries are thinking.

Yes all of this is very damaging to Thailand and it will take a long time to recover IF it has elections and the rule of law once again.

They are so scathing that I cannot post them on here

[djjamie]

Those yellow shirts must be made of 'Teflon':-

On 1 October 2013, Sondhi was declared guilty of lèse majesté for quoting remarks made by an opponent protesting the 2008 resumption of PAD protests. Sondhi was sentenced to two years imprisonment for defaming the monarchy, then released after posting 500,000 baht ($15,935) in bail.

On 28 February 2012, Sondhi was convicted by a Bangkok Criminal Court of violating the Securities and Exchange Act by falsifying documents to secure a multi-million dollar loan for his media empire, a case dating back to the 1990s. He was handed the maximum sentence possible.

The Security and Exchange Commission accused him of falsifying documents used as collateral for a loan amounting to almost 1.1bn baht ($36m, £22.7m) for his media business.[73]

Sondhi pleaded guilty but was freed on bail pending an appeal against the sentence

Let me save some TV forum members making a post, "...but, but Thaksin...." Yeah, that should do it.

Why stop there? Are you trying to reinforce a false fallacy that yellows get bail while reds go to jail

Remember that appeal you talked about, but refused to elaborate on….7th of August 2014 - The founder of Thailand's royalist "Yellow Shirt" street movement has been jailed after an appeal court refused him bail for a 20-year sentence for corporate fraud.

Talk about cherry picking information to suit an agenda or didn't wikipedia mention the rejected appeal?

[Jonmarleesco]

Did they acquit him? Or acquit him of not guilty? Hence making him guilty.

[Rykbanlor]

Did they acquit him? Or acquit him of not guilty? Hence making him guilty.

Right? What absolute rag and it's illiterate writer came up with that ridiculous headline?

[mikemac]

<script typ

Life is not fair.

Tigellinus, a vial for my tears!

You are referring to mass media - news for the masses. Governments, The US,The EU, The UN, Japan, and others have spoken against the junta and are paying very close attention. They are deciding what type of relationships they will have, and big investors in the US and Japan are deciding which investments to make, and in which country.

All of this hits the Thai news and this forum. We can learn about it here and if you can't find it on google then just search the news on ThaiVisa about what other countries are thinking.

Yes all of this is very damaging to Thailand and it will take a long time to recover IF it has elections and the rule of law once again.

They are so scathing that I cannot post them on here

Then don't, and stop harping on about the "rest of the world" being up in arms about the state of affairs in Thailand. Lord knows what they think about a wanted criminal running the previous government and the scams and scandals that went on under his rule, but who cares, the Shins obviously didn't.

No body cares about Thailand's political circus, or some red flag waving farang's boring observations.

There, someone had to say it.....................

[Thai at Heart]

How come this libel law is full of more holes than a Swiss cheese.

[binjalin]

How come this libel law is full of more holes than a Swiss cheese.

you got the colour right and answered your own question

[PREM-R]

Those yellow shirts must be made of 'Teflon':-

On 1 October 2013, Sondhi was declared guilty of lèse majesté for quoting remarks made by an opponent protesting the 2008 resumption of PAD protests. Sondhi was sentenced to two years imprisonment for defaming the monarchy, then released after posting 500,000 baht ($15,935) in bail.

On 28 February 2012, Sondhi was convicted by a Bangkok Criminal Court of violating the Securities and Exchange Act by falsifying documents to secure a multi-million dollar loan for his media empire, a case dating back to the 1990s. He was handed the maximum sentence possible.

The Security and Exchange Commission accused him of falsifying documents used as collateral for a loan amounting to almost 1.1bn baht ($36m, £22.7m) for his media business.[73]

Sondhi pleaded guilty but was freed on bail pending an appeal against the sentence

Let me save some TV forum members making a post, "...but, but Thaksin...." Yeah, that should do it.

Why stop there? Are you trying to reinforce a false fallacy that yellows get bail while reds go to jail

Remember that appeal you talked about, but refused to elaborate on….7th of August 2014 - The founder of Thailand's royalist "Yellow Shirt" street movement has been jailed after an appeal court refused him bail for a 20-year sentence for corporate fraud.

Talk about cherry picking information to suit an agenda or didn't wikipedia mention the rejected appeal?

So are you suggesting that Sondhi is in prison today? Think again.

Reported on 25/8/2014 "The Supreme Court on Monday granted bail for Manager Media Group founder Sondhi Limthongkul and two former MMG executives after serving just 18 days in jail". Yep, those yellow shirts are made from teflon.

Edited February 20, 2015 by PREM-R

[halloween]

Those yellow shirts must be made of 'Teflon':-

On 1 October 2013, Sondhi was declared guilty of lèse majesté for quoting remarks made by an opponent protesting the 2008 resumption of PAD protests. Sondhi was sentenced to two years imprisonment for defaming the monarchy, then released after posting 500,000 baht ($15,935) in bail.

On 28 February 2012, Sondhi was convicted by a Bangkok Criminal Court of violating the Securities and Exchange Act by falsifying documents to secure a multi-million dollar loan for his media empire, a case dating back to the 1990s. He was handed the maximum sentence possible.

The Security and Exchange Commission accused him of falsifying documents used as collateral for a loan amounting to almost 1.1bn baht ($36m, £22.7m) for his media business.[73]

Sondhi pleaded guilty but was freed on bail pending an appeal against the sentence

Let me save some TV forum members making a post, "...but, but Thaksin...." Yeah, that should do it.

Why stop there? Are you trying to reinforce a false fallacy that yellows get bail while reds go to jail

Remember that appeal you talked about, but refused to elaborate on….7th of August 2014 - The founder of Thailand's royalist "Yellow Shirt" street movement has been jailed after an appeal court refused him bail for a 20-year sentence for corporate fraud.

Talk about cherry picking information to suit an agenda or didn't wikipedia mention the rejected appeal?

So are you suggesting that Sondhi is in prison today? Think again.

Reported on 25/8/2014 "The Supreme Court on Monday granted bail for Manager Media Group founder Sondhi Limthongkul and two former MMG executives after serving just 18 days in jail". Yep, those yellow shirts are made from teflon.

A casual reading indicates an appeal may have been lodged to the supreme court, and the defendants released on bail until that is heard. Fairly standard practice anywhere, isn't it? Or do you have a problem with these particular defendants?

BTW what percentage of Thaksin's time served would 18 days be?

[blaze]

Those yellow shirts must be made of 'Teflon':-

On 1 October 2013, Sondhi was declared guilty of lèse majesté for quoting remarks made by an opponent protesting the 2008 resumption of PAD protests. Sondhi was sentenced to two years imprisonment for defaming the monarchy, then released after posting 500,000 baht ($15,935) in bail.

On 28 February 2012, Sondhi was convicted by a Bangkok Criminal Court of violating the Securities and Exchange Act by falsifying documents to secure a multi-million dollar loan for his media empire, a case dating back to the 1990s. He was handed the maximum sentence possible.

The Security and Exchange Commission accused him of falsifying documents used as collateral for a loan amounting to almost 1.1bn baht ($36m, £22.7m) for his media business.[73]

Sondhi pleaded guilty but was freed on bail pending an appeal against the sentence

Let me save some TV forum members making a post, "...but, but Thaksin...." Yeah, that should do it.

Why stop there? Are you trying to reinforce a false fallacy that yellows get bail while reds go to jail

Remember that appeal you talked about, but refused to elaborate on….7th of August 2014 - The founder of Thailand's royalist "Yellow Shirt" street movement has been jailed after an appeal court refused him bail for a 20-year sentence for corporate fraud.

Talk about cherry picking information to suit an agenda or didn't wikipedia mention the rejected appeal?

So are you suggesting that Sondhi is in prison today? Think again.

Reported on 25/8/2014 "The Supreme Court on Monday granted bail for Manager Media Group founder Sondhi Limthongkul and two former MMG executives after serving just 18 days in jail". Yep, those yellow shirts are made from teflon.

where did we just hear about 'cherry picking information to suit an agenda..."?

[Bluespunk]

"Court acquits Sonthi of not guilty of insulting Thaksin"

So, that's guilty then?

[PREM-R]

Those yellow shirts must be made of 'Teflon':-

On 1 October 2013, Sondhi was declared guilty of lèse majesté for quoting remarks made by an opponent protesting the 2008 resumption of PAD protests. Sondhi was sentenced to two years imprisonment for defaming the monarchy, then released after posting 500,000 baht ($15,935) in bail.

On 28 February 2012, Sondhi was convicted by a Bangkok Criminal Court of violating the Securities and Exchange Act by falsifying documents to secure a multi-million dollar loan for his media empire, a case dating back to the 1990s. He was handed the maximum sentence possible.

The Security and Exchange Commission accused him of falsifying documents used as collateral for a loan amounting to almost 1.1bn baht ($36m, £22.7m) for his media business.[73]

Sondhi pleaded guilty but was freed on bail pending an appeal against the sentence

Let me save some TV forum members making a post, "...but, but Thaksin...." Yeah, that should do it.

Why stop there? Are you trying to reinforce a false fallacy that yellows get bail while reds go to jail

Remember that appeal you talked about, but refused to elaborate on….7th of August 2014 - The founder of Thailand's royalist "Yellow Shirt" street movement has been jailed after an appeal court refused him bail for a 20-year sentence for corporate fraud.

Talk about cherry picking information to suit an agenda or didn't wikipedia mention the rejected appeal?

So are you suggesting that Sondhi is in prison today? Think again.

Reported on 25/8/2014 "The Supreme Court on Monday granted bail for Manager Media Group founder Sondhi Limthongkul and two former MMG executives after serving just 18 days in jail". Yep, those yellow shirts are made from teflon.

A casual reading indicates an appeal may have been lodged to the supreme court, and the defendants released on bail until that is heard. Fairly standard practice anywhere, isn't it? Or do you have a problem with these particular defendants?

BTW what percentage of Thaksin's time served would 18 days be?

A casual reading indicates that this is a case that Sondhi et al have been facing for over 20 years, when will the final appeal be heard? When will he start his jail sentence for real?

When will Sondhi and his PAD friends be charged with invading the Bangkok airports, causing billions of baht worth of losses to the country, will he be forced to pay back the losses? Don't hold your breath.

By the way, this topic is not about Thaksin.

Edited February 20, 2015 by PREM-R

[mikemac]

A casual reading indicates that this is a case that Sondhi et al have been facing for over 20 years, when will the final appeal be heard? When will he start his jail sentence for real?

When will he and his PAD friends be charged with invading the Bangkok airports, causing billions of baht worth of losses to the country, will he be forced to pay back the losses? Don't hold your breath.

By the way, this topic is not about Thaksin.

................."By the way, this topic is not about Thaksin."........................

Ahh, then why is his name mentioned in the headline ?

But I don't blame you for not wanting anyone to mention that noxious little weed, very hard for you to denigrate anyone who has the audacity to oppose the Shin regime while at the same time defending the actions of a known criminal.

but, but , but Sonhi ! ......................