Minister Withdraws Defamation Case Against MP Ice Srinok
Minister Suchat Chomklin withdrew his defamation case against MP Ratchanok Srinok after she apologized in court, citing emotional toll on his family including his elderly parents' hospitalization and children's school harassment.
On July 3, 2025, at Taling Chan Criminal Court, a hearing was held in the defamation case between Minister Suchat Chomklin and MP Ratchanok Srinok of the Pheu Thai Party. Ice had accused Suchat of obtaining his ministerial position through election fraud stemming from the February 8 election. After arriving at court with his lawyer at 2:20 p.m., Suchat spent approximately 20 minutes in the hearing room before the court proposed mediation. Following the discussion, Suchat revealed that the court suggested both parties talk to reach understanding, given the case's connection to the election when he was accused of election fraud in Chonburi constituency 1—allegations the election commission had already investigated and confirmed as baseless. Suchat acknowledged that as a politician, he accepts scrutiny, but emphasized the emotional toll on his family, particularly his elderly parents requiring ICU hospitalization and his children facing ridicule at school. When Ice personally appeared at court to apologize for the damage caused to his reputation and family, Suchat decided to withdraw the election-related charges, viewing it as a case where forgiveness was possible. However, he confirmed he will continue pursuing other corruption allegations through legal proceedings. Suchat urged social media users and the public to recognize that posting defamatory statements or accusations impacts entire families, not just the accused, and that spreading false information causes lasting emotional harm. He expressed relief at closure and prefers focusing on his work rather than lawsuits that can be forgiven. Ice subsequently stated that Suchat had come to court this day (he had previously missed hearings), allowing both sides to discuss the matter. She apologized to Suchat, his elderly mother, and his son who had suffered from the media coverage and public discourse, including ridicule at school. Ice thanked Suchat for withdrawing the case and apologized to his entire family for the impact of their communications.
