Court rejects Ratchaprasong lawsuit
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The Civil Court yesterday rejected a lawsuit filed by Ratchaprasong business operators against the Army, the Defence Ministry and eight red-shirt leaders demanding compensation of Bt300 million for damages caused by riots on May 19, 2010.
The suit was filed by Nutchatip Banchonsilp, other Ratchaprasong vendors and four firms.
The suit named the Army, the Defence Ministry, Deputy Agricul-ture Minister Natthawut Saikua, Jatuporn Promphan, Arisman Pongruangrong and five other red-shirt leaders as defendants.
The court ruled that the blazes erupted after troops blocked the demonstrators from entering the area, so it was not known whether the blazes were caused by the protesters or government officials. Hence, the defendants could not be held responsible for the damages and the suit was rejected.
Since it was clear that the plaintiffs’ assets were damaged by the operations of the state officials, the plaintiffs deserved compensation, the ruling added.
