Minister’s lawsuits against 2 journalists ‘breach freedom of expression’ - NHRCT

Two recent defamation lawsuits, filed by Natural Resources and Environment minister Suchart Chomklin against two journalists from The Isaan Record, breach the principles of freedom of expression, according to the National Human Rights Commission of Thailand (NHRCT).

In its statement yesterday, the commission said it is concerned that the lawsuits could engender fear among the public and hinder people from expressing their opinions. The agency described the action as a strategic lawsuit against public participation, or SLAPP.

The statement came as the editor and editor-in-chief of The Isaan Record, Kowit Phothisan and Hathairat Phaholtap respectively, were sued for defamation over several Facebook posts about the outlet’s coverage of alleged bribery in a labour trafficking scandal which, Suchart’s legal team claim, misled society and negatively affected his image.

The minister had sought 50 million baht in damages in Hathairat’s case and one million in Kowit’s. The legal action against the editor-in-chief was later dropped.

“It is unacceptable for human rights defenders or journalists, who are monitoring corruption and human rights abuses, to be intimidated and cease expressing their opinions to protect the public interest. This contradicts the principle of freedom of expression guaranteed by the Constitution of Thailand,” NHRCT said.

The Commission also said that public figures must be prepared to be scrutinised and criticised in matters that serve the public interest and it urged the government to push the Anti-SLAPP law through parliament to that guarantee public expression will be protected.

On March 25th, Hathairat filed a petition with a Senate standing committee and MPs from the People’s Party calling for an investigation into SLAPP lawsuits filed by politicians.