Sukhumruang Moves to Sue Lawyer An Over Defamation
Sukhumruang is preparing a defamation case against lawyer An after his interview allegedly smeared her reputation. Lawyer An, who was fined for a protest in Amnat Charoen, said he does not know who ordered the rally and denied knowing if his actions reached the minister. The Bhumjaithai Party says his conduct is clear and may pursue legal and ethical sanctions.
Sukhumruang is preparing legal action against lawyer An for alleged violation of lawyer ethics after his interview that defamed her, damaging her image and the Bhumjaithai Party, which says his conduct is clear. On October 13, 2026, lawyer An attended the Amnat Charoen City Police to acknowledge charges and pay a 1,000‑baht fine related to the “Rat Chase, Capture the Group, Amnat Charoen” activity at the municipal clock tower and a public rally in front of the police station on August 16, 2026. He said he was one of the rally organizers, noted that local officials had secured police permission for two venues—the municipal public park and the area in front of the police station—and said he is participating in the truth process. He stated he does not know who ordered the 20‑30 people who gathered at the station, including an Amnat Charoen provincial councilor who shouted phrases such as “Miss Ruay, keep fighting / We love Miss Ruay, if lawyer An creates division we won’t accept” and also heard remarks like “You didn’t give us anything.” When asked whether his actions had angered Sukhumruang, lawyer An replied he did not know if his conduct reached her, mentioning that he had raised issues concerning the Senate vote‑buying allegation, a lawsuit she filed against someone in Amnat Charoen where he acted as defense counsel, a complaint he submitted to the National Anti‑Corruption Commission regarding her asset declarations, and the August rally itself. According to a source from the Bhumjaithai Party, Sukhumruang is considering using legal and ethical rules governing lawyer conduct to pursue further action against lawyer An, alleging defamation and noting his clear antagonism toward her and the party. The source added that lawyer An is currently part of the team of Senator Nantana Nantawaropas and had previously represented a female businesswoman and political rival of Sukhumruang in the area; that businessman’s family has lost multiple elections in recent years and has recently shown clear support for lawyer An’s activities. Sukhumruang’s legal team is weighing a defamation complaint and a petition to the Lawyers’ Council regarding lawyer An’s conduct.
