Suchart ordered through his lawyer no mediation with Ice Rakchanok, who posted sarcastic remarks accusing him of being a minister involved in election fraud, and is also preparing to take legal action against a famous national athlete accused of exploiting Thap Lan forest.
On 22 June 2026, the Thaling Chan Criminal Court convened a preliminary hearing on the plaintiff's evidence in the case between Mr. Suchart Chomklin, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, as plaintiff, and Ms. Rakchanok (Ice) Srinok, MP from the People’s Party and Chair of the Parliamentary Budget Oversight Committee, as defendant, regarding her posting accusing Suchart of being a minister who came to office through election fraud. The court instructed both plaintiff and defendant to appear in person.
Mr. Natthawut Wongniam, lawyer authorized by Suchart, stated before the hearing that Suchart did not attend due to official duties in Japan but authorized him to testify on his behalf. Suchart chose not to negotiate or mediate with the defendant because of repeated misconduct. The plaintiff is fully prepared to present witnesses.
When asked if the plaintiff’s absence contradicted the court's instruction for both parties to attend, lawyer Natth said it did not, as the instruction was advisory, not mandatory. Since Suchart is the plaintiff, not the defendant, sending a lawyer to represent him was appropriate. He added this case is not the only lawsuit against Rakchanok; two or three more complaints were filed at Thonglor Police Station, with further lawsuits to be filed at the South Bangkok Criminal Court this month.
"The minister has insisted that this lawsuit should not be seen as a strategic lawsuit against public participation (SLAPP). We affirm we are not filing to harass. The defendant's posts have clear evidence and the legal process follows the Criminal Procedure Code, fully consistent with the Supreme Court President’s guidelines," lawyer Natthawut affirmed.
Suchart’s lawyer revealed a major surprise, saying that within this week he was authorized to file charges against "a certain national athlete" who posted accusations alleging Suchart was involved in "forest exploitation" related to the Thap Lan forest area. Suchart signed the authorization before traveling to Japan. They are currently gathering evidence to pursue the case fully, emphasizing that Minister Suchart’s work complies with law, has no conflicts of interest, and prioritizes national interest.
Later at 13:30, Ms. Rakchanok Srinok and her legal team arrived at the Thaling Chan Criminal Court. MP Ice appeared hurried and refused media interviews, briefly saying, "I went to the wrong court," and worried about being late for the hearing, then quickly entered the court building.