Bangkok: "Thepthai" believes that "Bhumjaithai" suing "Yingcheep" in the Senate collusion case may pave the way for obtaining evidence from the DSI to prove the truth in court. Political observer Thepthai Senpong posted on his Facebook page, "Thepthai - Political Talk," questioning whether this legal action is intended to silence dissent or to launch an open protest.
According to Thai News Agency, the controversy began when Yingcheep Atchanont, Executive Director of the Internet Law for People Project (iLaw), disclosed alleged collusion in the Senate elections. This accusation involves nine political figures, including ministers and members of parliament, primarily from the Bhumjaithai Party. In response, the implicated individuals, including Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul, have announced their intention to sue Yingcheep for defamation.
The Bhumjaithai Party's legal move has sparked public debate, with critics suggesting it might be a SLAPP (Silenced Proceedings) lawsuit. Yingcheep's revelations were based on news reports and interviews, lacking concrete evidence beyond past actions indicating potential collusion. Despite this, the lawsuit could provide an opportunity for Yingcheep to utilize the DSI's investigation files as evidence in court, potentially substantiating the allegations during the defamation trial.
By pursuing this legal route, Yingcheep might obtain a court warrant to summon all relevant DSI investigation documents, which could clarify the previously unsupported claims and offer factual evidence in court. This aligns with earlier demands to transfer the Senate collusion case from the Election Commission (EC) to the Supreme Court's Election Division, a move that has not yet occurred. Presenting these facts as preliminary documentary evidence in court remains a viable strategy.
The ultimate intent behind the Bhumjaithai Party's decision to file lawsuits against Yingcheep remains uncertain, raising questions about whether the objective is to silence him or to challenge him to substantiate his claims with evidence.