On the morning of 17 Sep 2026, the famous host Noom Kanchai Karnploy along with his personal lawyer, Toey Pornsak Wipasa-apanon, arrived at the Bangkok South Criminal Court to face Poo Mantana Himathongkham for the first time in a case where he is the plaintiff filing 17 counts of defamation by advertising, scheduled for plaintiff witness examination.
Also present were lawyer Kaew Dr. Monchai Jongkairattanakul and lawyer Kung Amnuayporn Maneeworn, who came to support Noom and lawyer Toey. However, mediation was unsuccessful. Afterward, Noom Kanchai and his legal team gave an interview to waiting media.
How did things go from morning until afternoon today?
Noom Kanchai: Actually, when I arrived in the morning, I heard the court said Poo wanted to mediate; she proposed it. I had no problem with that and was willing to mediate. But I made an offer which they did not accept, so we had to proceed with the hearing at 1 p.m., which lasted a while.
Can you reveal what your offer was?
Noom Kanchai: Sure. The offer was for her to admit that she did insult me. As many in the media and the public have seen, even if she says she didn't mention names, all reasonable people, including the media, have not asked others but only me why—so it clearly points to me. No one knows who else she meant, right? It's quite clear. So I asked her to admit it.
I even said that I have filed 5 cases and another complaint, totaling about 78 counts, but if she admits guilt on these 17 counts, I would withdraw all the rest.
Was there any condition she objected to that made her refuse to admit guilt?
Noom Kanchai: I don't know. I was confused. I told the court that I would withdraw 17 counts in exchange for about 60 more, so why not? But in the end, I don't know what was discussed; the court proceeded with the hearing.
Did she try to reach out or talk to your legal team during this time? What does that indicate?
Noom Kanchai: She did not approach me directly. Everything went through the court process. She filed an intention with the court, so the court called me. I was willing but, as I said, I don't want anything. Importantly, I told them not to apologize to me publicly. You can ask anyone or the court. I said I could withdraw all if she admitted guilt in this case.
What reason did Poo give for refusing to admit guilt?
Noom Kanchai: I think she feels she is not guilty or is worried about other pending cases or penalties, especially since she has ongoing disputes with lawyer Kung involving lawsuits.
What was the original cause for your lawsuit? Was it personal or family-related conflicts leading you to feel injustice?
Noom Kanchai: For me, when someone posts insults vaguely claiming no one is named and says it's not illegal, I believe that does not hold. Poo knows well who she is talking about. So, if she wasn't talking about me, why would she want to mediate?
But I'm not accusing her; the court will decide the facts. However, I want society to have a precedent that posting insults like "illegitimate child," "effeminate-looking," or "vigilante" is excessive.
She denies that she meant you; what evidence and witnesses connect her posts specifically to you?
Noom Kanchai: We have evidence, but that is submitted through court procedures.
Was your condition only that she admit guilt? Any other terms?
Noom Kanchai: Just that one. Admit guilt in this case to the court and let the court judge based on facts. I said I wouldn't press charges so the court could mitigate. I don't know why she declined. It's up to her.
Did you have a chance to talk directly when you met today, beyond eye contact?
Noom Kanchai: I don't think I made eye contact. She said there was some, but I didn't notice, sorry.
During witness examination, there was a break when you seemed concerned about the defense presenting fabricated images and texts. How did you feel?
Noom Kanchai: I was confused why suddenly fake evidence was presented in court.
You mean fake evidence from the defense?
Noom Kanchai: Yes, some evidence submitted was not factual. It was shocking and confusing.
Previously, Poo told her lawyer that some evidence you presented included edited posts and some were not from her social media accounts. How do you respond?
Lawyer Toey: I respond that it is not edited. I recorded her Facebook videos last year and showed them from the start to the messages. The printed documents were incomplete, but today we provided the full clip showing her posts on Facebook, which had 211 likes, 60 comments, and multiple shares. She would have seen them. This confirms the evidence was not altered.
Because she insists some parts aren't hers?
Lawyer Toey: She said that.
Does her claim that she did not name anyone specifically hold as a defense?
Lawyer Toey: She didn't name anyone, but facts connect to me. Comments confirm it is Noom. Also, why did the media cover Noom and not someone else? All are reasonable people. That is what I presented to the court.
Does Poo and her legal team still hope for negotiations or that you might soften? What is your view?
Noom Kanchai: That stage has passed. I made my offer; she could have accepted. But since she didn't, the case must proceed in court. We must move forward.
So you confirm you are firm and will not soften regardless of what happens?
Noom Kanchai: The case is now in the hearing process. Continuing to negotiate would just repeat the same things. Better to proceed with the court.
She says there's no verdict yet, so negotiations could continue. Don't you feel soft?
Lawyer Toey: Negotiations can't be one-sided (laughs).
Noom Kanchai: I probably won't negotiate now. I already made an offer. Even this afternoon, her side tried to talk, but I told them to tell the court. I will explain in court in the afternoon.
So you have closed the door on negotiation and mediation?
Noom Kanchai: Yes, I think there is no more chance.
No chance of reconciliation or making up?
Noom Kanchai: Her husband would scold me (smiles). It has passed that point.
So it's a definite closed door?
Noom Kanchai: I think now it's better to let the court process handle it.
What are the next steps regarding plaintiff witnesses? How many more will be examined?
Lawyer Toey: We prepared four witnesses today, including a legal expert who confirms the messages. This expert is neutral, registered with the Justice Office, providing opinions on the 17 counts as court evidence, testifying both as an expert and a lay witness. Another lay witness will testify as well. I talked with Noom; he preferred not to burden journalists to be witnesses, so we use outside individuals.
Noom Kanchai: They could come if needed, so we can issue summons all at once (smiles).
Lawyer Toey: So at least two plaintiff witnesses will testify tomorrow morning. The defense will continue in the afternoon with three witnesses, as I discussed with their lawyer.
How strong do you think their witnesses are in countering your case?
Lawyer Toey: I can't say. Each lawyer is confident in their evidence. The court will decide. I'm confident in mine, and they are confident in theirs. But their confidence must be based on existing facts.
Regarding Poo's earlier claim that some evidence isn't hers, is that a tactic to raise doubt?
Lawyer Toey: No, just a denial. Defendants usually deny initially. Straightforward.
Lawyer Kaew: It's the defendant's right to fight as they wish, including denying the Facebook is theirs. But the process must consider all evidence from the preliminary hearing.
Lawyer Toey: You can ask lawyer Kung; they've been through everything before me and Noom.
You seem well supported today. Many lawyers came to back Noom?
Noom Kanchai: They came on their own (laughs). I'm touched. They came voluntarily to support us, including lawyer Kung and lawyer Kaew.
Lawyer Toey: They worried I couldn't handle it. Also, there was a condition that I must be withdrawn before negotiating. Did Noom withdraw me today? (laughs)
Noom Kanchai: No, I didn't withdraw.
But the defense lawyer said you weren't allowed to join their side's discussions?
Lawyer Toey: The court did not permit me to enter. Not that I couldn't talk; I spoke privately with Noom. Maybe there was a misunderstanding because the court separated the sides.
Poo said she would mediate only if her lawyer changed. Do you confirm whether you will withdraw or not?
Noom Kanchai: I won't withdraw.
Lawyer Toey: There are many lawyers involved.
Noom Kanchai: Kaew even told me to get rid of Toey first.
Lawyer Toey: Kaew kept pushing me away (laughs).
Lawyer Kaew: We work as a team. Whatever support we can give, we discuss professionally.
Lawyer Toey: As I said, Kaew is more exhausted than me because he paces a lot; he gets very tired.
Noom Kanchai: He checks and reviews documents for us.
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