BANGKOK — Police on Friday filed a libel lawsuit against speakers of an academic forum for criticizing their performance.
The suit was filed at Lumpini Police Station, four days after national police chief Chakthip Chaijinda ordered the police’s legal affairs department to look into the Jan. 26 forum, which he deemed defamatory toward police nationwide, said Bangkok police chief Sanit Mahathavorn Tuesday.
“The suit relied on the consideration of the Official of Legal Affairs and Litigation,” Police Col. Worawit Yanchinda, who was appointed to file the case, said Tuesday. He said he did not know which part of the speech was specifically identified as being problematic.
The suit addressed two out of four speakers in the forum, Sangsit Piriyaransan from Rangsit University and Police Col. Wirut Sirisawasdibutr, former member of the National Reform Council.
A recent case in which massive fraud was suspected to have taken place during entrance examinations led the public to heavily question police integrity. That inspired the Anti-Corruption Organization of Thailand to hold a discussion on the topic called “What’s the point of having Thai Police?” at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center.
The forum addressed a host of problems involving Thai police such as corruption, bribery and involvement in crime and drug trafficking.
The other two speakers were Police Capt. Vichien Tansirikongkhon from Burapha University and a media professional Pattanadech Asasappakij.
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