Sukhumbhand, auditor-general settle libel case
Former Bangkok governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra on Friday agreed to withdraw his defamation suit against Auditor General Pisit Leelavachiropas over allegations of corruption in his then administration’s Bt39.5-million decorative-light project.
The agreement was reached during a two-hour court settlement session before both Sukhumbhand and Pisit came out and shook hands before journalists.
The former governor had alleged in his lawsuit that Pisit had defamed him during a press conference in May last year when he highlighted possible corruption in the light-show project operated by Bangkok Metropolitan Administration between December 31, 2015 and January 31, 2016.
Pisit told reporters on Friday that the information reported by the media that day may not have been complete or was out of context. He said he had only outlined the preliminary opinions of his office and they were not final.
They had to be forwarded to authorities concerned and until now there is no conclusion on the matter.
“Investigation into the matter has not yet finished and Sukhumbhand is not guilty as alleged. The case is still under consideration of the National Anti-Corruption Commission, which will determine the result.
“Sukhumbhand is a knowledgeable and capable person and his honesty has been acknowledged by the public. The Auditor-General’s Office wishes to express regret that its opinions may have led people to misunderstand Sukhumbhand,” Pisit said.