Woman Files Lawsuit Against Local Official Over False Gun Allegation

A dried squid business owner consulted with lawyer Ratchaphol Sirisak to file a case against a local administrator and his associate, claiming they abused their authority by searching her vehicle for a gun that was never found. On September 10, 2024, Ms. Krongkaew, 38, owner of a dried squid business in Pak Nam Pran subdistrict, Prachuap Khiri Khan province, visited lawyer Ratchaphol Sirisak at his law office in Muang Nonthaburi district to prepare legal action against her opponent and the local administrator in her area.

Ms. Krongkaew explained that she had been in a dispute with her opponent's son, who had been mocking and insulting her and her family for over eight months on social media. This led to escalating arguments about who started the conflict, ultimately resulting in both parties taking oaths before Chumphon Provincial Court on September 5. The opposing party posted an invitation for local residents to witness the oath-taking. On that day, Ms. Krongkaew was the first to light 16 incense sticks and swear an oath, with the opposing woman and her son present.

"However, after I completed my oath and handed the incense to the opposing woman's son, she refused to let him swear, saying it was unnecessary and not relevant," Ms. Krongkaew recounted. "The opposing woman's son then admitted he was at fault, and the matter should have ended there. But the local administrator and his associate, who were present at the scene, became involved. The associate was about to punch my father but was stopped by police. Then the local administrator shouted and pointed at my vehicle, claiming it contained a gun. This caused the residents who came to watch to surround my car. Although I tried to explain that I am just a small businesswoman without any gun, the local administrator claimed he was an administrative official with the legal authority to search my vehicle."

Ms. Krongkaew continued, "I asked the local administrator what would happen to my reputation if the search found no gun, since the incident was livestreamed and witnessed by many locals. The allegation without basis has severely damaged my reputation. He said if they found no gun, I could sue him. When police finally searched the vehicle, they found no weapon as alleged, and I received no apology."

She gathered all evidence, including video clips of the incident, to consult with lawyer Ratchaphol in preparation for filing charges against the local administrator and his associate. According to lawyer Ratchaphol, the video evidence shows the local administrator made false accusations that turned Ms. Krongkaew into a suspect, shouting that she had a gun when she did not. This constitutes defamation through public announcement, as residents witnessed the incident and it was livestreamed. This carries a penalty of up to two years imprisonment and a fine up to 200,000 baht, and may also constitute filing a false report. Ms. Krongkaew plans to proceed with filing a formal complaint at Pak Nam Pran Police Station.