They met face-to-face at court for the first time in two years, involving Lilly Nguyen and Poo Mantana Himathongkham who today arrived at the Criminal Court following the court’s summons for a preliminary hearing in the case where Poo Mantana is the plaintiff suing Lilly and lawyer Kung Amnuayporn for defamation by advertising. Meanwhile, Lookmee Rasamee also involved in disputes with Poo Mantana, came to support both parties.
During an interview, Lilly Nguyen’s voice trembled and tears welled up as she said she never expected to be sued by Poo Mantana, especially since she had forgiven her and never demanded repayment. She pleaded, “Can you withdraw the lawsuit?” but if that’s not possible, she said, “I have nothing to give. I repeat, I have no money. If I have to go to jail, I am willing to accept that.”
What is the lawsuit about today? Who is suing whom?
Lilly said, “I’m telling the truth. For the past two years, I have already forgiven everything and never sued Poo Mantana. I thought she would be merciful and not sue me since so much time has passed. We should be able to start fresh, but today it’s the same old issue brought to court against me.”
Lawyer, is Poo the one suing Lilly?
Lawyer Kung said, “Yes, Poo is the plaintiff suing Lilly as defendant number one, and I am defendant number two. The case involves a clip from last year during their promotional tour and their exchanges. At that time, no lawsuit was filed; it’s only being filed this year.”
What charges did Poo file?
Lawyer Kung explained, “She sued for defamation, alleging that Lilly publicly demanded debt repayment and shamed her. We have not yet seen the exact accusations in the complaint, which is confusing. They claim they will submit clips showing defamation, but no evidence has been provided yet, so we don’t know what words or acts are claimed to be defamatory. They said they will present evidence later in court, which is today. Lilly is being sued in two cases, both defamation, involving clips from last year. We just recently saw the complaint.”
Both cases are defamation but involve different content?
Lawyer Kung said, “Yes, the two cases involve different clips. We still don’t know specifically what the defamation claims are because no detailed descriptions have been provided yet. They said evidence will be submitted later, so we don’t know how to defend yet.”
What does Lilly think she defamed them about, given there are two cases?
Lilly said, “It’s been a long time, almost two years. The money I didn’t repay is from three years ago (voice trembling). I have no hard feelings anymore. I just want mercy. “Can you withdraw the lawsuit?” But if not, I have nothing to give. I repeat, no money. If I have to go to jail, I accept it.” (crying)
What feelings did she express through her tears?
Lilly said, “It feels like the tears are just inside. I’m very tired after these two years. Court has taught me many lessons. It affects my child and family. If they don’t want me in Thailand, they can buy my condo and everything I have. I will leave the country so they can be at peace.” (crying)
Why does she feel they don’t want her in Thailand?
Lilly said, “I don’t know.” (voice trembling, crying)
How does the lawyer feel about Poo suing Lilly criminally?
Lawyer Kung said, “We have defenses ready but can’t disclose which angles yet because we don’t know what exact words are alleged to be defamatory. We also have several legal points to argue and will cross-examine today in the courtroom.”
At what point did Lilly feel she couldn’t stay in Thailand?
Lawyer Kung said, “From what I know, there were allegations labeling Lilly as a foreigner. I’m not sure if someone also reported her over taxes. It has caused significant damage. We don’t know who is behind it.”
If the accusations are untrue, would you countersue?
Lawyer Kung said, “Actually, we never intended to sue. Lilly has never sued anyone before and doesn’t intend to sue Poo either. Despite messages harming Lilly, she never filed suits. Personally, I don’t act unless reputations are severely harmed. Some cases were filed because lines were crossed and required response.”
At the press conference, Lookmee was present. From a legal view, Poo sued only the lawyer and Lilly, not Lookmee?
Lawyer Kung said, “I’m not sure which clips were sued on because most involve Lookmee and Professor Decha. I don’t know which clip specifically. They gave dates but no clear clip details, so I don’t know how I was defamed. We were all present in those clips and didn’t say much. It’s confusing why only some are sued and where the defamation lies.”
Lookmee said, “I’m not spared either. I’m sued in two defamation cases. In the defamation case filed by Poo Mantana, involving Professor Decha, lawyer Kung, and me as defendants, the court has held a hearing. The decision will be read on 30 January.”
“Another case with me and Professor Decha as defendants will be heard on 22 December, involving witness examination. We have two cases as defendants and six as plaintiffs. Among the six, one civil case was decided with Poo ordered to pay us 2 million baht, which she hasn’t paid and appealed.”
“The other five cases have been accepted by the court and await judgment. My main goal is the fraud case with a hearing set for 4-6 February, where Poo allegedly deceived me into investing in a bag business. If I win this criminal case, she may face over two years in prison.”
What is the status of the appeal Poo filed?
Lookmee said, “She just filed the appeal; it hasn't progressed yet. It’s a civil case.”
Lawyer Kung said, “Regarding the civil appeal, we are waiting for the summons. Lookmee hasn’t received it yet. Once received, we will respond. Other cases will have witness examinations next year. The defamation case against Lookmee and Professor Decha had a hearing last week; we await the decision on 30 January. These are all incidents from last year but only sued this year.”
Will there be a chance to meet Poo Mantana for the first time in two years?
Lilly said, “Almost two years. I want to see her and ask if she really hates me that much.”
Lookmee said, “Don’t ask. You can’t ask in court. Don’t talk to her.”
Lilly said, “I don’t think much about it. I just want her to be happy. If I’m suffering and she’s happy (crying), that’s fine.”
Do you think you’ll have a chance to greet or talk?
Lilly said, “If possible, I hope we can forgive each other. No need to punish. I’m very tired. Going to court is hard. I don’t have money to hire lawyers or sue her.”
How do you feel about Poo Mantana now? Is there any friendship left?
Lilly said, “I’m not angry or hateful. I feel sorry and concerned. I want Poo to return to the entertainment industry as before. If she sincerely apologizes, everyone will give her another chance. I’m sure of that.”
Why do you feel sorry for her even though she sued you?
Lilly said, “I understand more. She has been through a lot. I have suffered similarly. I just want her to lower her ego a bit so things can improve. I’m not afraid, whether I go to jail or leave the country I love. I repeat what I said on the show: if I have no money, I can go to jail.”
Lookmee said, “Currently, Poo has 17 cases, she admitted this in court. We don’t know the exact details, but Lilly is probably very concerned about Poo because the cases are overwhelming. Lilly has only two cases and is already exhausted. Lookmee has eight cases, Poo has 17. She must be very tired. Lilly probably doesn’t want Poo to suffer.”
Lilly said, “I’ve never had any cases before. Why must money cause such trouble? Why not think of the family’s future? In entertainment, we have reputations and must know how to survive. I just think it was a small mistake that can be fixed by a simple apology. Not returning money is fine, just apologize and everything will change completely.”
How does lawyer Kung view Poo’s persistence despite 17 cases from a legal perspective?
Lawyer Kung said, “We don’t know all 17 cases but know she has many. People with many cases often have confidence, possibly boosted by their lawyers. If we see a case unlikely to succeed, we would step back, apologize, or settle. But if she continues, it might be because her lawyer gives her strong confidence or promises a win, so she remains confident.”
What are the next steps?
Lawyer Kung said, “We will fight fully today with prepared evidence, both legal and factual. Criminal cases are serious, involving imprisonment, so we must defend ourselves thoroughly.”
Lilly said, “If they sue me for money, I repeat I have no money. They can put me in jail. Regarding the debt, I have forgiven it. (voice trembling) I leave it up to their mercy.”
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