The Voice Champion Sues Over Threats, Forced to Move
The Voice Thailand 2019 champion Ekkarit is suing a major record label after receiving death threats and defamatory posts on social media, forcing him and his family to relocate, while fellow artist Daniel seeks severance compensation after
On September 7, Ekkarit (The Voice Thailand 2019 champion) and Daniel (fourth-place finalist from Golden Microphone) met with lawyer Dr. Thanakrit Jittrareeratana and his team at Thanakrit Law Firm in Bangkok to seek legal assistance over disputes with a major record label.
Ekkarit disclosed that he worked as a promoter introducing the label to media contacts but was later accused of corruption by management, which he denies. After he reported irregularities to the organization's owner, the executive involved was demoted. He then began receiving threatening posts on social media and work group chats—including death threats and neck-stabbing references, curses, and insults—without naming him directly but leaving the industry and colleagues to understand the target. The harassment deeply frightened his family and damaged his wife's mental health, forcing them to relocate for safety. He has also been targeted by distorted and defamatory online posts that harmed his reputation.
Daniel reported that he joined the label in May but released only one song in June, effectively sidelined for a year. When the company terminated him citing economic restructuring, he requested legal severance and contract compensation, but the label claimed he breached his contract and refused to attend rehearsals—despite his consistent attendance and meetings. The label also deducted 500 baht monthly from his account as a security deposit but refused to include this in his severance, calling him an artist rather than an employee. Daniel views this as fighting an unjust corporate system.
Dr. Thanakrit stated that threatening artists' lives and intimidating their families is unacceptable. Ekkarit's case preliminarily falls under Section 392 (causing fear or alarm), carrying up to one month imprisonment or a fine not exceeding 10,000 baht, as well as defamation and Computer Crimes Act charges, which carry penalties up to five years imprisonment.
The legal team outlined a three-part approach: filing with the Ministry of Labor for wrongful termination and incomplete severance compensation; requesting witness protection from the Ministry of Justice given concerns for physical safety; and reporting to the Technology Crime Investigation Division for defamatory and threatening online posts.
