Suthep ordered through his lawyer no mediation with Ice Rakchanok, who posted mocking comments calling him a minister involved in election fraud, and he is prepared to take legal action against a famous national athlete who accused him regarding exploitation of the Thap Lan forest.
On 22 June 2026, the Thaling Chan Criminal Court scheduled a hearing to examine the plaintiff's evidence in the case between Mr. Suchart Chomklin, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, as plaintiff, and Ms. Rakchanok or Ice Srinok, a Member of Parliament from the Prachachon Party and Chair of the Budget Oversight Committee of the House of Representatives, as defendant, over posts accusing Mr. Suchart of being a minister who came to power through election fraud. The court instructed both plaintiff and defendant to appear in person.
Mr. Nat Chumchuay, the lawyer authorized by Mr. Suchart, stated before the hearing that Mr. Suchart could not attend due to official duties in Japan but delegated him to testify on his behalf. The key reason for Mr. Suchart's absence was his unwillingness to negotiate or mediate with the defendant, who repeatedly committed offenses. The plaintiff is fully prepared to present witnesses.
When asked if the plaintiff’s absence despite the court’s instruction contradicted the court order, lawyer Nat explained that the court’s instruction was a request, not a binding order, and since Mr. Suchart is the plaintiff, not the defendant, he could send a lawyer as his representative. Furthermore, this is not the only case against Ms. Rakchanok; there are 2-3 other complaints filed at Thonglor Police Station, and additional lawsuits will be filed at the South Bangkok Criminal Court within this month.
"The minister emphasized that this lawsuit should not be perceived by society as a Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation (SLAPP). We confirm this is not a frivolous lawsuit; the defendant’s posts are based on real evidence. The legal proceedings strictly follow the Penal Code and align with the Supreme Court President’s guidelines," lawyer Nat stated.
Mr. Suchart’s lawyer also hinted at a big surprise, revealing that within this week he has been authorized by Mr. Suchart to file a complaint against "a certain national athlete" who posted accusations alleging that Mr. Suchart was involved in "forest exploitation" linked to the Thap Lan forest area. Mr. Suchart signed the authorization documents before flying to Japan. They are currently gathering evidence to pursue the case fully, affirming that Mr. Suchart’s ministerial work complies with the law, has no conflict of interest, and prioritizes national benefit.
The reporter further noted that at 13:30, Ms. Rakchanok Srinok, accompanied by her legal team, arrived at the Thaling Chan Criminal Court. MP Ice appeared hurried and refused to give interviews, briefly stating, "I came to the wrong court" and feared missing the hearing, then quickly went into the courthouse.