Bangkok: Toh Rakchanok has accused the government of "slapping people with lawsuits," asserting that the government does not endorse wrongdoing. The Deputy Government Spokesperson clarified that Rakchanok's criticisms pertain to the government's right to engage in legal actions, which fall under SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation). The spokesperson emphasized the government's stance on the legality of protecting its organizations when falsely accused.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Lalida Periswiwatana, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, addressed the controversy involving Ms. Rakchanok Srinok. Rakchanok had released a video criticizing the Prime Minister's remarks about government agencies' legal rights to defend themselves against false claims. Ms. Periswiwatana clarified that the government remains open to concerns regarding the freedom to scrutinize governmental actions, but noted that some issues might have been misinterpreted from both legal and factual perspectives.
The spokesperson further clarified that Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has never endorsed legal measures aimed at harassing whistleblowers or obstructing investigations. He underscored the principle that any organization or individual has the right to protect their reputation and truth through the judicial process if harmed by false information. This legal right is available to all citizens and must not be misconstrued as a SLAPP initiative without evaluating each case on its facts, intent, and evidence.
The spokesperson also noted the Prime Minister's clarification that external data or surveys reflect public perceptions rather than legal facts. Such perceptual data should not be used to conclude an organization's corruption without supporting evidence, as it can harm the organization's reputation and effectiveness.
Additionally, the government has been actively tackling corruption and influential figures through legal avenues and evidence, rather than public opinion. This includes actions such as prosecuting district officers in Chiang Mai and regulating influential groups in tourist regions like Phuket, Koh Samui, and Koh Phangan.
The deputy government spokesperson emphasized that while the government does not condone wrongdoing and acts decisively when evidence is clear, it is crucial to balance scrutiny with protecting those affected by inaccurate information. The government is open to suggestions and critiques but urges public communication to be grounded in facts to foster a constructive atmosphere of scrutiny, thereby advancing the nation on principles of fairness and rule of law.