Chalerm Yoovidhya, son of the late Red Bull co-founder Chaleo Yoovidhya, has initiated a defamation lawsuit against a TV host and a former police officer. The suit alleges that they falsely claimed he spent 300 million baht in lobbying efforts to aid his son, Boss, in evading legal charges.
On May 28, at the Criminal Court on Ratchadaphisek Road, attorney Ampol Kaewpan, representing Thai billionaire Chalerm Yoovidhya, filed the lawsuit seeking 50 million baht in damages. The defendants are Police Lieutenant Colonel Sanit Mahathavorn, a senator and former Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, and TV host Miss Ubonrat Thao Noi.
The lawsuit contends that on February 29, 2024, the defendants broadcast defamatory content on a TV program, which was later distributed on TikTok. The program accused Chalerm of spending 300 million baht to lobby for his son, Vorayuth “Boss” Yoovidhya, who was involved in a fatal hit-and-run incident. Vorayuth fled the country after the incident, which sparked public outrage. The defamatory content was shared via the TikTok account “bonratbonrat,” which has a significant following and substantial engagement.
Chalerm’s petition claims that these actions have damaged his reputation and subjected him to public contempt, constituting defamation by publication. The plaintiff is demanding that the defendants publicly apologize and publish the court’s judgment on several media platforms, including the TOP NEWS website, TV programs, TikTok, and in four major Thai newspapers for seven consecutive days. Additionally, he requests the immediate removal of the defamatory content from TikTok.
The Criminal Court has accepted the lawsuit and scheduled a preliminary examination hearing for September 2, 2024. Attorney Ampol emphasized that the 50 million baht sought in damages is justified given Chalerm’s standing. He dismissed the possibility of settling the case out of court, citing repeated distortions of facts concerning Vorayuth’s case.
The legal battle highlights ongoing controversies since 2012, including disputes over the details of the hit-and-run incident. For instance, a 2020 report by the Office of the Attorney General contradicted earlier claims that the victim was dragged for 200 meters, stating there was no evidence supporting such allegations.
Chalerm’s lawsuit underscores his determination to protect his and his family’s reputation by legally challenging those he accuses of spreading misinformation. The preliminary hearing will involve testimonies from various witnesses prepared by the plaintiff’s legal team.