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Activists acquitted of libel, decry 'judicial harassment'

19 Sept 21:39 Key points summarised by AI

Three Thai human rights activists were acquitted of criminal defamation charges, which arose from their posts detailing severe working conditions at a Thammakaset chicken farm.
Despite the acquittal, activists described it as a 'hollow victory,' emphasizing the substantial personal and financial burden of combating what they labeled 'judicial harassment' under Thailand's stringent libel laws.
Rights groups and legal experts strongly criticize Thailand's harsh defamation laws, frequently misused as Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs) by corporations to silence critics and intimidate advocates.
International and local human rights organizations advocate for Thailand to decriminalize defamation, urging the nation to align its legal framework with international standards to protect freedom of expression.

Yesterday 15:20 Key points summarised by AI

Thailand's Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul initiated a nationwide crackdown on illegal Thai nominee shareholders in foreign-run businesses and land holdings to safeguard national interests.
The government will integrate efforts across all relevant agencies to target illicit foreign operations, forced sales of illegally acquired property, and high-risk land ownership schemes.
Key strategies include auditing suspect land and building holdings, establishing a long-term monitoring system, and cross-referencing data from various authorities to trace ultimate beneficial owners.
Prime Minister Anutin emphasized that no influential figures or corrupt officials are above the law, promising straightforward prosecution, asset seizures, and protection for enforcing officers.
Beyond land ownership, the integrated crackdown will also extend to tackle transnational crimes, including drug and human trafficking.