Court finds against Suthep in DSI case
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The Criminal Court Monday threw out a lawsuit filed by Phra Suthep Thaugsuban against Department of Special Investigation ex-chief Tarit Pengdith over the latter's legal action against him for leading political rallies to overthrow the Yingluck government
Suthep, ex-secretary-general of the People’s Democratic Reform Committee, filed a suit accusing Tarit of malfeasance and libel for pressing criminal charges against him for leading a political rally and having his assets frozen.
The suit, filed in December, said Tarit committed malfeasance by having the Special Case Committee accept his case for investigation. It claimed Tarit had defamed Suthep’s reputation.
Sawat Charoenpol, the lawyer representing Suthep, was at the court yesterday to examine witnesses – but the court said it had enough evidence to make a ruling.
The court found Tarit acted in accordance with the Special Cases Committee’s resolution and orders and said there was no evidence that showed the Tarit inflicted any damage or harassment of Suthep.
Sawat said he would appeal the verdict. He said Tarit’s action to freeze Suthep’s assets was not carried out in accordance with due process. He said Tarit had to prove the assets were derived from illegal activities before they could be frozen.
