People's Party proposes Anti-SLAPP bill to decriminalize defamation

Matichon•Politics•1d ago

Reader Briefing

The People's Party is pushing for an Anti-SLAPP law to protect public expression and remove criminal penalties from defamation offenses.

•The People's Party organized a seminar on July 19 regarding the right to be free from strategic lawsuits.
•The proposed law aims to shift defamation penalties from criminal charges to administrative fines or civil penalties.
•The bill allows accused persons to request SLAPP reviews at the police, prosecutor, and court levels.

•On July 19, the People's Party held a seminar titled "Our Rights, Let No One Sue to Silence."
•Chonlatan Saphaiboonlert stated that the law is needed because Thailand cannot balance the right to freedom of expression with the right to reputation.
•Chonlatan Saphaiboonlert argued that criminal defamation laws contradict international standards and limit freedom of expression under the constitution.
•Anusorn Kaewwichian stated that the law does not protect wrongdoing but protects expression for the public benefit.
•Anusorn Kaewwichian proposed amending the Civil and Commercial Code and the Criminal Code to remove criminal penalties for defamation.
•The People's Party intends to submit the bill to Parliament because the current government has not yet submitted a similar law from the Rights and Liberties Protection Department.
•Under the proposal, if a court finds a case is a SLAPP, the court may order the plaintiff to pay damages of at least twice the actual damage incurred.
•The People's Party will submit the Anti-SLAPP legislation to Parliament.

Full article content is available on the original source.

People's Party(พรรคประชาชน)

A political party pushing for the reform of Anti-SLAPP laws to protect freedom of expression.

Rights and Liberties Protection Department(กรมคุ้มครองสิทธิและเสรีภาพ)ℹ️

A government department expected to submit legislation regarding the protection of rights and liberties.

Cabinet(คณะรัฐมนตรี)

The executive body whose proposed laws are prioritized for consideration in Parliament.

Chonlatan Saphaiboonlert(ชลธาร ทรัพย์ไพบูลย์เลิศ)

An MP for Bangkok from the People's Party.

Anusorn Kaewwichian(อนุสรณ์ แก้ววิเชียร)

An MP for Nonthaburi from the People's Party.

Civil and Commercial Code(ประมวลกฎหมายแพ่งและพาณิชย์)

A legal code that the People's Party proposes to amend regarding defamation.

Criminal Code(ประมวลกฎหมายอาญา)ℹ️

A legal code that the People's Party proposes to amend to remove criminal penalties for defamation.

Anti-SLAPPℹ️

A legal framework proposed to end Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation.