The court scheduled mediation in the defamation case where Suchart sued Rakchanok over election-related accusations. It was revealed that 'Ice' accepted responsibility and apologized, receiving forgiveness only for this case. However, the corruption allegations remain unacceptable and will proceed through legal channels further on behalf of the plaintiff due to their severity and impact on reputation and credibility.
At 13:30 on 3 July 2026 at the Thaling Chan Criminal Court, the court convened a hearing to examine the case between the parties. Mr. Suchart Chomklin, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, acted as plaintiff to file a lawsuit against Ms. Rakchanok Srinok, also known as Ice, a party-list MP from the People’s Party, who was the defendant charged with defamation by advertising. The case involved Ms. Rakchanok accusing Mr. Suchart of being “a minister who won through election fraud.” On 22 June, the court had summoned both parties for mediation before proceeding with the hearing. Ms. Rakchanok appeared at court, but Mr. Suchart was on official duty in Japan. The court thus rescheduled mediation for today, ordering both parties to attend.
Today, Mr. Suchart authorized a representative to attend court along with his lawyer, Mr. Nattawut Wongniam, as he was on official business out of town. Ms. Rakchanok arrived with her lawyer, Mr. Nithi Layeddee. Mr. Nattawut stated that the court had summoned both parties to mediate and hear evidence. The plaintiff was present with witnesses, while Mr. Suchart sent a representative. Mr. Suchart has genuinely suffered damages from Ms. Rakchanok’s repeated defamatory actions causing ongoing harm. Besides this case, related suits exist at Thonglor Police Station and another pending trial at the criminal court.
Mr. Suchart’s lawyer added that the plaintiff was willing to compromise and discuss according to legal procedures but needed to assess whether the defendant showed remorse. Their legal team found Ms. Rakchanok continued posting defamatory and mocking messages, increasing harm to Mr. Suchart’s and his family’s reputation. His mother required hospital care due to the impact. The lawsuit is not intended to silence but is a legal right exercised after filing complaints. Posting false information into computer systems causes widespread damage to Mr. Suchart’s reputation as a minister. The use of the nickname “Heng” in the statements is clearly linked to Mr. Suchart as it is a publicly known moniker with related messages. The evidence is sufficient to prove the allegations in court if the parties cannot settle.
At 14:22, reporters noted that after negotiations between Mr. Suchart’s representative and Ms. Rakchanok, mediated by the judge, the talks went well. Ms. Rakchanok agreed to withdraw and apologized to Mr. Suchart. The court had Mr. Nattawut call Mr. Suchart, inviting him to the Thaling Chan Criminal Court, prompting Mr. Suchart to come to the court immediately.
After spending about 20 minutes in the courtroom for mediation, Mr. Suchart stated that Ms. Rakchanok apologized to him for causing distress and damage to him and his family by making the allegations in the lawsuit. “As an elder, when Ms. Ice showed remorse and apologized, I am willing to forgive her only for this case. For other cases where complaints have been filed and lawsuits are ongoing in criminal court, the proceedings will continue.”
He explained that the court encouraged both parties to discuss and understand each other since the case arose from the election on 8 February 2026, where Ms. Rakchanok accused him of election fraud in Chonburi’s District 1 and called him “Minister Heng Suay” (Minister Heng Unlucky). The Election Commission had verified his victory was based on legitimate votes. As a politician, he accepted scrutiny. However, the most painful impact was on his family, especially his elderly, ill parents who required ICU care, and his children who faced teasing from peers due to the news. Thus, the damage extended beyond himself to his family members.
However, today the opposing party personally apologized before the court, admitting the harm caused to him and his family’s reputation. As the elder, he considered the matter settled since the other party showed remorse and apologized. Mr. Suchart confirmed he will withdraw only the case related to election accusations, considering it forgivable. Other cases involving corruption allegations will continue legally because these serious accusations have long harmed his reputation.
Meanwhile, Mr. Suchart appealed to social media users and the public that posting defamatory or accusatory content should not be taken lightly or done merely to create content. Everyone has families, parents, and children affected by the spread of such information. While politicians accept scrutiny, spreading false information causes emotional wounds to families. Mr. Suchart emphasized this point. He added that he now feels relieved that the matter is resolved and wishes to dedicate his time to work rather than legal battles over cases that can be forgiven. However, the corruption-related cases will continue through the legal process as they remain unacceptable.
