Defamation suit against Jurin Laksanavisit dismissed
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The Appeal Court on Thursday upheld a ruling by the lower court to dismiss a defamation suit filed by former premier Thaksin Shinawatra against a former Democrat MP.
Thaksin had sought compensation of Bt500 million plus interest, starting from the day the suit was filed and continuing until the judgement.
The Court ruled that Jurin Laksanavisit’s speech on June 6, 2004 at Chiang Mai University that covered Thaksin’s corruption, was based on information and facts. It was given after a censure debate and intended to criticise and examine Thaksin, who was government leader at the time.
In addition, when Thaksin was in the premiership, his wife, children and relatives still owned companies and held his shares in their names.
Jurin, as a citizen, was in a position to reveal the facts to prevent conflicts of interest, the court ruled. This was not defamation nor a personal bid for political benefit.
