Bangkok: Anutin Charnvirakul is proceeding with a defamation lawsuit against Yingcheep Atchanon, director of the Internet for People's Law Project (iLaw), emphatically stating that there will be no compromise. He argues that Yingcheep's accusations are unfounded and suggests that the lawsuit is a reaction to the perceived threat posed by the Bhumjaithai Party's success. Anutin insists that his lawsuit is unrelated to any alleged Senate collusion case.
According to Thai News Agency, Anutin, who is also the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, discussed his decision to file the lawsuit in an interview. He clarified that the accusations made by Yingcheep against nine members of the Bhumjaithai Party, including himself, require clear evidence. He emphasized the need for accountability in public statements and questioned Yingcheep's authority to make such damaging claims without substantiation. Anutin also noted that the issue is currently in the judicial process and no formal charges have been filed.
When questioned about potential political motives behind Yingcheep's actions, Anutin dismissed such notions, stating that he does not dwell on these possibilities. He remarked that everyone is subject to the same laws and must take responsibility for their words and actions, especially if they contribute to social division or hatred.
The controversy extends to comments made by Supachai Jaisamut, a Bhumjaithai Party list MP and the party's legal counsel, who speculated on Facebook about the sources of iLaw's funding and its potential misuse. Anutin mentioned that Supachai had been tasked with pursuing legal action and would follow his own procedures. He stressed that the party would not seek leniency in this case, as past precedents have shown that such an approach is ineffective.
Regarding the Senate collusion case, Anutin reiterated his non-involvement. He expressed confidence that if he were implicated, charges would have been filed long ago. He pointed out that the case predates his tenure as Prime Minister and assured that he holds no power or influence to negotiate with those involved. Anutin remains firm in his stance that he has no connection to the case and no reason to be concerned.