NBTC to pursue libel suit
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The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission's telecom committee would proceed with the libel suit against an academic and a TV journalist, saying it welcomes criticism but not defamation.
In a statement released on September 6, the committee launched the libel suit to protect the integrity of the committee's four members. It insisted that criticisms were welcomed, but not distorted information meant to cause others harm.
It also said that the suit would serve as a reminder that media should not be used as a tool to defame any organisation. Meanwhile, this should require the research centre to be more thorough in its research and disclosure of the information.
The libel lawsuit was filed against Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI) researcher Deunden Nikomborirak and TPBS’s Nattha Komolvadhin. Discussing the contents of the 1800MHz mobile phone contract on a TV programme, both were charged of defaming the four commissioners.
The statement was released following the joint press conference of the TDRI, Thai PBS and Thai Broadcast Journalists Association which were against the legal action. The three organisations said that the move would intimidate academics and the media’s attempts in scrutinising the committee’s operations.
In its statement, the NBTC insisted that Duenden deliberately wanted to defame the organisation. Meanwhile, Nattha was named as the second defendant because, as the host of "Thai PBS" programme, she presented only the view of Duenden and failed to present NBTC's view on the same subject.
