The charges were made in a lawsuit by Surakiart, who accused the retired diplomat of jeopardising his chances of becoming the next UN secretary-general. It was Asda's first appearance in the court.

Asda, who is on the shortlist of candidates for the National Counter Corruption Commission, has said that Surakiart lacked the qualifications for the United Nation's top post and lacked the knowledge to lead reform of the world body.

Asda said Surakiart, a former law professor and foreign minister, accused him of defaming his reputation at a Ramkhamhaeng University seminar, as well as at a mass anti-Thaksin rally in March.

Asda said yesterday he was only "exercising his academic freedom", and that his knowledge was sound as far as UN matters were concerned. Asda served as the Thai Ambassador to the UN for nearly six years prior to retiring in 2002.

Besides his testimony, Asda said he had "enormous" documentary evidence to back his criticism of Surakiart.

Asda was released without bail, as maximum punishment for the charges does not exceed three years.

Sopaporn Kurz

The Nation