Move Forward MP Rukchanok acquitted on defamation charge

The Bangkok North District Court acquitted Move Forward MP Rukchanok Srinork today on a defamation charge filed against her by two well-known TV hosts. The grounds for acquittal were that her criticism of the two journalists had been an honestly held opinion.

Kanok Ratwongsakul and Anchalee Paireerak, filed a defamation suit, claiming that Rukchanok had accused them of presenting fake news to the public, inciting hatred among members of the public during a protest on March 6, 2021. Each of them demanded Bt10 million in compensation from the Move Forward MP.

After the acquittal, Rukchanok told the media that she viewed the defamation charge as an attempt to prevent her from criticising the media, adding that the court’s verdict should serve as a precedent, that the media can be criticised by the public.

She expressed relief at her acquittal, adding that she has no intention of…