On 15 March 2006, the Bangkok Criminal Court acquitted Ms. Supinya Klangnarong and Thai Post of the Shin Corporation's libel suit, saying that the statements of Ms. Supinya were not considered to be defaming the plaintiff.

Ms. Supinya was sued for criminal defamation by the Shin Corporation in 2003 for writing a review on Thai Post, which pointed out the potential collusion of the Shin Corporation and the Prime Minister, whose family held the company's majority ownership.

Shortly before the Court's verdict, a Shin's lawyer had offered to withdraw the suit on condition that Ms. Supinya apologized for her comments, that the company had benefited hugely from state policies. The offer was turned down by Ms. Supinya. The same offer had also been made in January 2006, after the selling of Shin Corporation's majority shares to a Singapore-based firm.

While Hotline Asia welcomes the above judgment, it should be reminded Ms. Supinya and Thai Post are still under a libel suit filed in the Civil Court, in which Shin Corporation sought Bt400 million (around USD10 million) in compensation.

For more background information, please read UA050727(3) issued by Hotline Asia in July 2005.

Source:
World Association for Christian Communication (WACC)

On 6 December 2005, Thailand Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra had dropped all lawsuits against Sondhi Limthongkul and associates, who hosted the Thailand This Week talk show, in accordance with His Majesty the King's birthday advice for leaders to accept criticism. However, there are still several costly cases filed by Thaksin, his family's business and cronies against other media critics. The prime minister's principal lawyer said, he would continue monitoring the political television shows and did not ensure that there would be no lawsuit filed in the future.

However, the charges against Ms. Supinya has not been dropped. The Court has set 15 March 2006 for Supinya, Shin Corp ruling. The verdict would be important as it will likely set a precedent for other lawsuits against newspapers and critics of Prime Minister Thaksin.

Ms. Supinya, secretary general of Campaign for Popular Media Reform (CPMR), was charged by the Shin Corp for defamation. She wrote a review in Thai Post in 2003, pointing out the potential collusion of the Shin Corporation and the Prime Minister, whose family held the company's majority ownership. Hotline Asia issued UA050727(3) in 2005, urging the drop of both the criminal and civil cases filed against Ms. Supinya.

Source:
World Association for Christian Communication (WACC)

The next trial for Thai Post and Ms Supinya is postponed to 21 December 2005 due to the court's busy schedule. In January 2006, Ms Supinya's lawyers will submit the last legal report to the court and the case is expected to end early next year.

Although Supinya's case is almost over, the Thai newspapers are continuously hit by the costly defamation lawsuits that they regard as political attack on their independence and freedom. In mid November 2005, Thailand Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has won a court order to prevent a media tycoon from criticizing him. He was suing for 1 billion bath (USD188 million). His lawyer said Thaksin also filed another 1 billion libel suit against tycoon Mr. Sondhi Limthongkul. In October 2005, the Thai newspapers have decided to set up a fund to fight the suits and to campaign for change in the country's libel laws.

According to the Reporters Without Borders' Worldwide Press Freedom Index, Thailand's ranking has dramatically dropped from 59th in 2004 to 107th place in 2005, ranked below countries such as Cambodia and Indonesia.

Ms. Supinya, secretary general of Campaign for Popular Media Reform (CPMR), was charged by the Shin Corporation for defamation. She wrote a review in Thai Post in 2003, pointing out the potential collusion of the Shin Corporation and the Prime Minister, whose family held the company's majority ownership. To know more, please read UA050727(3) issued by Hotline Asia in July 2005.

Source:
South China Morning Post
World Association for Christian Communication (WACC)

Ms. Supinya, secretary general of Campaign for Popular Media Reform (CPMR), was charged by the Shin Corporation for defamation. She wrote a review in Thai Post in 2003, pointing out the potential collusion of the Shin Corporation and the Prime Minister, whose family held the company's majority ownership.

The World Association of Christian Communication (WACC) had initiated an online petition demanding Shin Corp. to drop criminal charges against Ms. Supinya. It was presented to the media in Thailand when it reached the 1000 mark on 15 August, and to Shin Corp on the following day.

The petition has gained global solidarity in support of the protection of press freedom. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) is also supporting the campaign. It has been working with other press freedom organization to call for decriminalization of defamation.

The final round of the witnesses testifying continued from 27 September 2005. Testifying in defence of Ms. Supinya, the witnesses said the defendant's criticism was made in the public interest as she wanted to raise people's awareness of policy abuse. WACC is working closely with Supinya and her team for further action.

Since 2001, press freedom is tightening under Thanksin's government. Supinya's case has been regarded as an important fight against the suppression. For more information, please refer to UA050727(3) issued by Hotline Asia, or website of WACC (www.wacc.org.uk/supinya)

Source:
World Association for Christian Communication