This has become a hot topic that continues to attract attention regarding the case Noom Kanchai Kanengploy filing a defamation lawsuit against actress and beauty queen Poo Mantana Himathongkham. A witness hearing is set for 17 September 2026. After attending the Praew Awards 2026 ceremony, he shared that he feels excited every time he goes to court because he rarely does, and this will be the first time he faces Poo Mantana in person.
I hear the case against "Poo Mantana" goes to court on 17 September?
"How did this come back around? How did it circle back to a friend? (laughs) Yes, the court date is the 17th. I'll be there. We'll probably see each other at court. It's a witness hearing, so I will attend that day."
Is this the first time meeting since the lawsuit began?
"Yes, it’s the first time we’ll meet. Previously, most of the time I entrusted my lawyer, Toi (Phonsak Wipasaphanan), to handle it during the preliminary examination stage."
Are you really ready to face each other?
"Yes, I am always ready to meet. It will follow the legal process, and whatever is right or wrong will be determined accordingly."
So far the court has accepted five of six cases. Will there be more?
"As I have said before, if anyone makes references that cross the line, we may have to let the law decide. I have worked a lot and been in the public eye for nine years, soon ten. Not everyone will love me every day. Each day, there will be one person who loves me and one who hates me—they come as a pair. Love and hate come together, not one day love and the next hate. So I have encountered a lot but never thought of suing anyone. If it wasn’t serious, I wouldn’t sue or resort to legal action."
Is this the last straw?
"I see it as defending my rights, but we must prove that although they did not mention my name, ultimately it is the court’s discretion whether what was said refers to me, for the fairness of both parties."
Do you think the atmosphere in the courtroom will be tense that day?
"I honestly can’t say, but I will try to stay calm. From my perspective, I must admit I’ll be nervous because I rarely go to court. The other side might be used to the courtroom, but I’m not."
Are you nervous to face the other party or just about being in court?
"Oh no, just nervous about being in court and facing the bench because I’m not used to it."
If the other party shows remorse and apologizes that day, will you give them a chance?
"Everything can happen, but we must consider the context at that time. The court previously showed mercy and suggested mediation. Although I wasn’t present, the court allowed my lawyer to call and speak with me."
"I spoke with the court, and they asked if I would withdraw the case. I told them I’m not cruel but need to observe the defendant over time to see if they continue to defame me before the hearing. The court agreed. But soon after leaving court, more incidents happened. So I don’t know what to do. It’s not up to me but rather the other party. They may claim they didn’t mention me, but I feel it’s about me."
When was the last time you met Poo Mantana?
"I don’t think I’ve ever met her. She’s with Channel 7, I’m with Channel 3, and even when I appeared on Channel 7, I never met her. On the 17th, it won’t be a reunion after years but the first time we meet because we have never met face-to-face before."
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