Minister Files Defamation Complaint Against iLaw Director

Deputy Prime Minister's Office Minister Suksamruay Wandthaniyakul and Bhumjaithai MP for Amnat Charoen filed a defamation complaint against Yingcheep Atchananont, director of Internet for People Law Project (iLaw), on July 24, 2025, at 5 p.m. at Amnat Charoen City Police Station. Suksamruay is one of those who claims to have suffered damage from Yingcheep's accusations linking her to a vote-buying operation. Suksamruay said she filed the complaint in Amnat Charoen simply because she was traveling home that day and had official duties in the area, with plans to visit Surin Province on Sunday. She said there was nothing special about the decision to file.

Regarding Yingcheep's recent plea to reconsider the complaint on grounds that it would appear undignified, Suksamruay countered by asking whether Yingcheep's own actions—making accusations without evidence—are truly dignified or fair. She noted that she and her colleagues have remained silent on the vote-buying case, waiting for the Election Commission to conduct its investigation through proper procedures.

Suksamruay questioned whether Yingcheep's public statements at this time held hidden intentions, especially since the allegations are based on old information and Yingcheep himself admitted having no evidence, only hearsay from others. She characterized this as making baseless accusations against her. Suksamruay stressed that her complaint is a lawful exercise of her rights, distinct from legitimate public criticism, and that she welcomes investigation. She called on Yingcheep to consider mutual understanding.

If iLaw as a group is accused of maintaining favorable ties to certain political parties and receiving suspicious funding to conduct political movements, yet the accusers provide no witnesses or evidence, this would be unfair and undignified toward iLaw itself, she added.