'Finland plot' civil suit follows criminal case
Caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra yesterday filed a civil lawsuit demanding Bt1 billion in damages from 12 defendants he said tarnished his reputation by broadcasting allegations of his involvement in a plot to cling to power.
The civil litigation follows a criminal libel case, filed last month, relating to public comments about the so-called "Finland Declaration", in which Thaksin and others are said to have examined ways of holding on to power in a plot deemed offensive to the monarchy. The courts have yet to rule on the merits of either case. Thaksin named 12 individuals and media organisations as having slandered him. Key defendants include anti-Thaksin campaigner Sondhi Limthongkul; Manager Group; and Thaiday Dot Com Co, which provides an uplink service for satellite broadcaster ASTV. Three academics, Chirmsak Pinthong, Chai-anan Samudvanija and Pramote Nakornthap, are also on the list of defendants. In the plaintiff writ, Sondhi and the three academics are accused of publicising Thaksin's alleged attempts to extend his rule through the plot said to be offensive to the monarchy. The charge focuses on comments made on May 24 during a televised seminar at Thammasat University. The plaintiff demands damages and the publication of an apology for seven days in 14 English- and Thai-language newspapers and on the Manager website. The Civil Court will decide on November 13 whether to launch a judicial review. - The Nation
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