Bangkok: The court sentenced "Sonthi" to 4 months in prison without suspension of sentence in the defamation case against "Thanagorn Nantee." He has since been released on bail.

According to Thai News Agency, at 9:00 AM, at the Criminal Court on Ratchadaphisek Road, political activist Sondhi Limthongkul, along with his lawyer, arrived to hear the verdict in the defamation case filed by Thanagorn Nantee against Sondhi Limthongkul for "defamation of another person," in courtroom 714.

This case stems from the plaintiff's belief that the defendant's actions and opinions constituted defamation, causing damage to their reputation. Therefore, the plaintiff filed a lawsuit in court to seek legal action.

The defendant contested the case, maintaining that the opinions expressed were made in good faith and within the constitutional right to freedom of expression. However, the court will deliver its verdict on both the factual and legal issues today, and the outcome will set an important precedent for similar cases in the future. The case is currently under consideration by the court.

Reporters say this case stems from comments made by Mr. Sondhi Limthongkul through public media. Mr. Thanakorn Nantee believes the content constitutes defamation and damages his reputation, honor, and credibility. Therefore, Mr. Thanakorn decided to exercise his legal rights and file a defamation lawsuit in the Criminal Court to have the court determine whether the actions constitute a crime. Meanwhile, Mr. Sondhi Limthongkul (the defendant) stated that his comments were made in good faith and within his rights to express opinions within the framework of the law.

Recently, the court sentenced Mr. Sonthi to four months in prison without suspension and ordered him to pay 2 million baht in compensation. Mr. Sonthi filed a bail application, providing collateral, to be released pending appeal. The court considered the application and granted bail of 50,000 baht.