The court in Bangkok has imposed compensatory damages amounting to 8 million baht on a Thai lady to compensate the wife of a former senior police officer Surachate Hakparn or the Big Joke as he was famously referred to. The decision was taken after a libel suit over defamation claims that were associated with a television show last year.
The female complainant Sirinatda Hakparn rejected that she had an affair with another police officer. Upon going through the evidence, the court ruled that the allegations were not factual and had greatly hurt her image.
Advertisements Aired on TV.
The case was initially reported in October 2024 when a 50-year-old woman, who was referred to in the media as Thanattha or Ning, came out on a television news program. In the show, she accused the wife of a former high-ranking police officer of having an affair with her husband. Back then, she failed to identify the name of the woman.
Ning also asserted that her condominium in Sukhumvit, Bangkok was burglarized and her valuables worth over 600,000 baht were stolen. She claimed that the accused woman got in the room via a spare key her husband gave. These utterances soon attracted attention to people and went through the press.
Ning later made a formal complaint at the Phra Khanong Police Station. Sirinatda also came to the station later with her lawyer to admit the complaint. She vehemently refuted all the claims and declared that she would sue on the issue of defamation.
Criminal Resolution and Monetary Fine.
The Civil Court decided in favour of Sirinatda after months of court battles. Ning was ordered by the judge to pay 8 million baht as damages. Moreover, she will need to pay 5 percent interest on the amount in a year which is to be charged starting on October 15, 2024, the date on which the suit was formally instituted.
Ning has filed a petition to the court to attract a lighter sentence and a retrial. Sirinatda has so far decided not to make any public comment regarding the verdict.
Although his wife has been cleared in the civil suit, Surachate Hakparn still has individual court battles to deal with. He has been under investigation since 2023 regarding his alleged connections to an online gambling network. He has made several refutations to those allegations and the case is still open.
Watch the video here:
More from Wake Up Singapore:
72-Year-Old Penang Housewife Wins Over RM40 Million in Toto Jackpot with Computer ‘Lucky Pick’
Angry Husband Destroys His Home After His Wife Buys A Dishwasher
Late-Night Attack Inside Home Leaves Husband Alive, Wife and Friend in Court
If you have a story or a tip-off, email admin@wakeup.sg or get in touch via Whatsapp at 8882 5913.
Interested in advertising on our media channels? Reach out to us at admin@wakeup.sg!
Since you have made it to the end of the article, follow Wake Up Singapore on Telegram and X!
Wake Up Singapore is a volunteer-run site that covers alternative views in Singapore. If you want to volunteer with us, sign up here!
