On November 6, a private lawyer for former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra warned that he would file a defamation lawsuit against anyone who contacted Mr. Thaksin with South African businessman Ben Smith and the online fraud ring he was accused of.
Lawyer Winyat Chartmontree said that the relationship between Mr. Thaksin and businessman Ben Smith (real name Benjamin Mauerberger) is only at the level of acquaintances. The former Chancellor has never invested in any business activities with Mauerberger.
Mr. Winyat emphasized that those who continue to link Mr. Thaksin's name to the alleged online fraud network of businessman Mauerberger should stop, otherwise he will be forced to file a defamation lawsuit.
Those who accuse Mr. Thaksin or create graphics linking him to online fraud gangs or online gambling networks and post them on the Internet should stop, Winyat said, noting, I am monitoring these actions and will consider legal action.
Lawyer Winyat spoke after visiting the former prime minister at Klong prem prem prison with Pitaka Suksawat - husband of Paetongtarn Shinawatra, daughter of Mr Thaksin.
When asked about the photos showing Mr. Thaksin dining with Mauerberger, the lawyer confirmed that this person was just an unknown person.
Mr. Thaksin has never invested with him. You can check if Mauerberger has any investment projects in Thailand. If there is no one, there is no connection between them, Winyat told reporters.
"I affirm that they only know how to socialize. Mr. Thaksin is a friendly person and a former Prime Minister known globally, so it is normal for him to meet many people, Winyat added.
According to Mr. Winyat, there is no specific decision on the possibility of a lawsuit. These statements are to warn those who spread false information to stop.
The lawyer also said that former Prime Minister Thaksin is currently serving a 2-month prison sentence and is not eligible for a reduced sentence or amnesty, despite having submitted a Royal apology. Mr. Thaksin's health is stable and he is still closely monitoring the domestic political situation.
