Somchai filed criminal charges against Nattawut on three counts: assault causing him to fall from a bicycle, public insult, and opposed bail at the police investigation stage. He insisted on no mediation and declared that if any politicians are involved in offering help, they should reveal themselves openly.
On 4 September 2026, Somchai Srisutthiyakorn, former Election Commissioner, and his lawyer Noraset Na Nongtum spoke after filing a complaint about assault by former lawyer Nattawut Wongniam. Somchai stated he filed criminal charges against Nattawut for assault, property damage, and public insult following an incident at a government office, witnessed by police and media, supported by CCTV footage from Thonglor Police Station. There were also reports of threats against journalists.
Somchai said that Nattawut is currently a suspect, arrested for an offense committed in flagrante delicto, and has undergone fingerprinting, photographing, and booking. Somchai and his lawyer opposed bail due to the brazen nature of the daytime assault at a government office before police. They fear that if released, Nattawut may act irrationally and harm others again.
Somchai affirmed that the case will definitely proceed to court and rejected any negotiations or mediation, regardless of who approaches, including politicians. He challenged anyone offering mediation to reveal themselves so that the supporters behind the scenes can be known.
Somchai speculated that the reason Nattawut targeted him was because he publicly revealed true information about Nattawut’s background, especially regarding Nattawut’s false claim of having resigned from government service when in fact he was dismissed. Somchai’s courage to speak the truth has caused problems for Nattawut.
Somchai said he wanted to visit and check on Nattawut’s emotional state and see how the police are treating him, but was prevented by police who feared further conflict or incidents. He urged the media to observe and follow police procedures closely, anticipating possible bail release within an hour. If released, he urged the media to question police reasons for releasing a dangerous individual back into society and suggested bail conditions to protect the victim, such as prohibiting repeated offenses of the same nature.
Somchai insisted he is not afraid of the incident and will continue to defend his rights under the law. He plans to undergo a medical examination at a hospital to obtain evidence to support the case going forward.
Lawyer Noraset added that beyond the assault case, they also filed complaints against Nattawut for false reporting and malicious prosecution, arising from Nattawut’s earlier accusation that Somchai’s foundation engaged in fraud and money laundering, with Noraset also named. They must proceed with countercharges for false allegations. Furthermore, Nattawut issued threatening remarks such as “I know you live near the Indonesian embassy; we will meet,” causing the victim to worry about personal safety.