Bangkok Governor files libel charge over satirical newspaper article

[webfact]

Bangkok Governor Files Libel Charge Over Satirical Newspaper Article
By Khaosod English


Assistants of Bangkok Governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra filed a libel charge on the governor's behalf over a satirical article in ASTV Manager, 7 May 2015.

BANGKOK — The Governor of Bangkok has filed libel charge over a satirical newspaper article that lampooned his perceived failure to stop floods in the capital city.

Sukhumbhand Paribatra assigned two assistants to file the charge against the paper, ASTV Manager, on his behalf at Chanasongkram Police Station today.

An assistant of Bangkok Governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra filed a libel charge on the governor's behalf over a satirical article in ASTV Manager, 7 May 2015.

The piece was published on 6 May in ASTV Manager’s “Pujadkuan” section, which leads with a disclaimer explaining that all articles published in the section are fictional.

The article joked that Sukhumbhand had mobilized all virgin women in Bangkok plant lemongrass - a Thai superstition said to ward off rain storms.

"Anything that will make the public feel relieved, the Governor is willing to do," the article quoted a fictitious "source" as saying.

Sukhumbhand has been criticized for failing to adequately prepare for regular floods in Bangkok, despite promises during his re-election campaign in 2013. After a particularly severe flood on 26 March, Sukhumbhand suggested that people who want Bangkok to be free of floods should simply "go live on a mountaintop," setting off a deluge of criticism on social media and in the press.

Full story: http://www.khaosodenglish.com/detail.php?newsid=1430997922&typecate=06&section=

-- Khaosod English 2015-05-08

[BSJ]

He should be a bit more thick skinned if he is going to perform his duties in a less than ideal way.

[NongKhaiKid]

Doesn't the libel and defamation laws play into the hands of certain types of people ?

Little chance then of them being overhauled, they're too useful as they stand.

[Strangebrew]

Maybe he should have said I will start projects to try to divert water runoff during storms in hopes of less flooding in Bangkok proper. But Libel I seriously doubt that.

[MarkTS]

but, but, but the amateur pundits here keep claiming yellow shirts (ASTV Manager) and the democrats (Sukhumbhand) are but one tenacious, elitist, monster of cohesiveness.

[canuckamuck]

Once again the libel laws come to the rescue. The negligent, the ineffective and the criminals with large bank accounts, can always count on the libel laws to ensure accountability will always be kept a safe distance away.

[clockman]

Why do you think these laws were made! And with his connection to you know who.

[whatawonderfulday]

He should be a bit more thick skinned if he is going to perform his duties in a less than ideal way.

Maybe he is thick. I wonder if he is using public funds to finance this ?

[WitawatWatawit]

I think he lost face because he sent out several teams of sleuths to find virgins for the ceremony, and guess what! Her schedule was too tight.

[LuckyLew]

Another think skinned Thai politician

Can give but cannot take

Prereq. for political position should require a sense of humor

[arthurboy]

If Sukhumbhand thinks that's offensive, he should check out the UK Guardian's Steve Bell and his take on British politics and politicians.

As an educational example, David Cameron is always portrayed as a condom. (Nuff said there). http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/picture/2015/may/07/steve-bells-if-cameron-is-pumped-really-pumped

[samsensam]

thainess and satire are simply not compatible.

[likewise]

narrow mindedness at its best again ! Sad bunch, no sense of humor at all !

[klauskunkel]

maybe the governor should file libel charges against his campaign staff for calling him a 'dummy'...

[slipperylobster]

Why do you think these laws were made! And with his connection to you know who.

Yes. Also, it is mainly the wealthier HiSo class that pursue this in court, and can fund the lawyers.

The court is probably the last place you want to be in, if you do not have the money to get legal protection.

With time, the public will tire of this kind of "Catch 22".....

Publicity will not work in favor with this law.

[Tatsujin]

Once again the libel laws come to the rescue. The negligent, the ineffective and the criminals with large bank accounts, can always count on the libel laws to ensure accountability will always be kept a safe distance away.

Yeah, and wasn't it Thaksin himself who used these laws the most often ... ?

The truth hurts ... that's the point.

And some people here need to grow a bigger pair of balls or a sense of humor.

[Seastallion]

Libel.

Is it different from the notorious defamation law?

[lemonjelly]

All these politicians and government officials filing defamation charges..... Pathetic cry babies.

[Beng]

No sense of humor.

[ChrisY1]

Once again the libel laws come to the rescue. The negligent, the ineffective and the criminals with large bank accounts, can always count on the libel laws to ensure accountability will always be kept a safe distance away.

Yeah, and wasn't it Thaksin himself who used these laws the most often ... ?

The truth hurts ... that's the point.

And some people here need to grow a bigger pair of balls or a sense of humor.

They all use the libel laws......not sure what your reference to TS is about, but as we all know, most people here with money, will sue another for the stupidest reasons in an attempt to save face....

[kaorop]

It's just such a bunch of cry babies with to much money and no conscience running this circus.

[Jingthing]

Thailand.

Je ne suis pas Charlie!

Pardon my French.

[torpedo1970]

We are "fallangs" and we will never even get close to understanding the concept of loosing face.......

so i second the comment earlier saying that satire and Thainess can never be combined......

The same page already had a disclaimer, but the Tw__T still sue libel....

TIT

[Humberstone]

With a disclaimer saying 'satire' in front of the article clearly intended to be 'satirical' and fictional, the Gov should grow some skin.

[lostoday]

thainess and satire are simply not compatible.

Since the satirical article was written by Thai people and appeared in a Thai publication it seems you are a bit thick.

[HansIsaan]

Once again the libel laws come to the rescue. The negligent, the ineffective and the criminals with large bank accounts, can always count on the libel laws to ensure accountability will always be kept a safe distance away.

Yeah, and wasn't it Thaksin himself who used these laws the most often ... ?

The truth hurts ... that's the point.

And some people here need to grow a bigger pair of balls or a sense of humor.

Yes, if I remember correctly Thaksin filed 21 libel law suits.....and he did not win a single one of them....

[axact]

Pity he could not have used the two peons to sort out the flooding problem rather than sending to the police station ?

Obviously it was satire, the chance of finding a virgin in Bangkok is a non starter.

Thank Buddha this guy is not a fundamentalist muslim, who knows what he might have done to this news organisation.

[MZurf]

but, but, but the amateur pundits here keep claiming yellow shirts (ASTV Manager) and the democrats (Sukhumbhand) are but one tenacious, elitist, monster of cohesiveness.

So, what do the professional pundits (like yourself?) claim? Please enlighten us!

[WhizBang]

It would seem that Thais have no sense of humor, especially if they also happen to be the subject of the humor.

I do hope that Prayut has the libel laws on his reform agenda.

[berybert]

I am absolutely <deleted> shit at my job but you are not allowed to say so.