Deputy PM Vows to Sue Yingluck, But Not Yet

Deputy PM to PM's Office Sukhsamraiywong confirmed she intends to file a defamation lawsuit against Yingluck Shinawatra, director of iLaw, after he publicly named her as one of nine people involved in the parliamentary speaker vote-buying case. She stated that her legal team has reviewed evidence and concluded a defamation charge is viable, but she is delaying the lawsuit to avoid pressuring the Election Commission's investigation process. Sukhsamraiywong will file a record on July 24 in Amnat Charoen province to prevent the statute of limitations from expiring, and plans to await the Election Commission's ruling before taking further legal action.

Regarding the disclosed information about a resort in Amnat Charoen province, Sukhsamraiywong said she is unfamiliar with the location and questioned how only certain individuals could have accessed details from the subcommittee's confidential proceedings. She believes that if genuine grounds existed, the Election Commission would have summoned her for questioning as standard procedure, but no such summons has been issued. She suggested the timing of these allegations is politically motivated and views the situation as a political maneuver.

Sukhsamraiywong reiterated her commitment to filing suit against all nine named individuals, but emphasized the action should come after the Election Commission completes its work to avoid appearing as partisan infighting between the government and opposition. She stated the Commission is nearing its decision, and she wants to ensure fair process. Deputy PM Napintr Srisawatakij said he remains uninformed about the details, and indicated he would need to consult with Supachai Chaisamutsakorn, the legal advisor for Bhumjaithai Party, before discussing any lawsuit against Yingluck or party leader Anutin Charnvirakul.