The global organisation for press freedom said it had also recorded seven cases of physical assault, threats and censorship of newspapers on the part of Thaksin's sympathisers over the past two weeks. "It was, among other things, Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's inability to accept the least criticism which brought about his downfall," the organisation said in a statement.

"It is appalling that he continues to drag journalists and editors before the courts. We urge the outgoing head of government to withdraw the defamation complaints and bring his supporters in line. Thai journalists need to work without interference in this period of political crisis," added Reporters Without Borders.