Niece of killed Army conscript presents evidence in defamation case

Narissarawan Kaewnopparat and her lawyer yesterday presented documents to the prosecutor that she says proves she did not defame Phuri, who is suing her for defamation and computer crime.

Narissarawan is the niece of Private Wichien Pheuksom, who was beaten to death in an Army camp in 2011. She has been fighting in court to seek justice for her late uncle. 

In July this year, she was arrested in relation to the defamation case, but was released on bail soon after. 

Nadthasiri Bergman, a member of the Thai Lawyers for Human Rights Centre, said that she and her team of lawyers had done what they could |to fight the defamation charge, but now it was up to the public prosecutors to decide whether to take the case to court. 

“We can’t predict the decision of the prosecutors, as they had earlier said that my client should be sued. However, we have been following the legal procedure step by step and hope we will get justice,” Nadthasiri said.

She added that if the prosecutors decide to take the case to court, her client would have to testify at the Narathiwat Provincial Court.

Meanwhile, Narissarawan said she hoped the case would not go to court as she had proved that she did not defame Phuri. However, she said, she would continue fighting for her uncle. 

“I am not afraid of any influential figure who might try to stop me. I am just fighting for my uncle and want to ensure that whoever was behind his death is punished. I believe the prosecutor will understand me as I have already given him all the information and evidence,” she said. 

She was reportedly granted bail on the basis of her job in the Social Development and Human Security Ministry. She is required to report to the prosecutor again on October 27, 

On September 23, Narissarawan submitted a petition to the Office of the Attorney General after the public prosecutor said the case should be taken to court. The attorney-general’s office assured her that the case would not undergo prosecution until police have gathered enough evidence on the case. 

Phuri was the commanding officer when Wichien was beaten to death. In August, Narissarawan submitted a petition with Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha asking him to suspend Phuri from duty.