Thai court dismisses SLAPP case against six human rights defenders who oppose potash mining. The lawsuit, filed by a local mayor demanding 300,000 THB from each defendant, was thrown out due to lack of evidence and deliberate legal delays. Activists celebrate the victory while calling for reforms to prevent judicial harassment.

February 24, 2025 - In a significant victory for human rights advocacy in Thailand, the Sikhio Provincial Court (Pak Chong) has dismissed all charges in a high-profile SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation) case against six members of the Khon Rak Ban Kerd Dan Khun Thot Group.

The lawsuit, filed by Nipon Nilkan, Mayor of Non Mueang Pattana Subdistrict Administrative Organization (SAO), had accused four Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRDs) and two Human Rights Defenders (HRDs) of defamation and insult through advertising. The plaintiff had demanded 300,000 THB in damages from each defendant.

After reviewing the case, the court ruled that the plaintiff not only lacked sufficient evidence but had also engaged in deliberate legal delay tactics. The court dismissed all charges and ruled that the civil lawsuit for damages be dropped with no financial compensation required.

"We are overjoyed that the court dismissed the case today," said Anusara Praneedpolkrang, one of the accused WHRDs. "This ruling reaffirms our right to hold government officials accountable. Every citizen has the right to scrutinize and critique state authorities in good faith."

The lawsuit, filed on October 28, 2024, was widely recognized as an attempt to silence the defenders through legal intimidation. The case had faced multiple postponements, with the plaintiff's lawyer first requesting a delay citing a COVID-19 infection, then failing to provide the required medical certificate at the rescheduled hearing.

Jongdee Minkhuntod, another WHRD involved in the case, emphasized the ruling's significance: "This verdict gives us strength and confidence to continue resisting potash mining. Today, we have seen justice served."

The defenders have consistently opposed potash mining operations in their region, advocating for environmental protection and community rights.

Juthamas Sreehattapadungkij, a WHRD from the Campaign for Public Policy on Mineral Resources (PPM) and advisor to the group, cautioned that while the verdict was positive, the plaintiff still has the right to appeal. She called for urgent legal reforms to prevent SLAPP lawsuits from being used to intimidate human rights defenders.

Pranom Somwong from Protection International stressed that the government must establish clearer penalties against businesses, state agencies, and officials who engage in judicial harassment against human rights defenders.

Legal expert S. Rattanamanee Polkla from the Community Resource Center Foundation stated that the case should never have been prosecuted: "This case was fundamentally about freedom of expression and should not have been pursued in court. As a government official, the SAO mayor should be listening to public concerns—not suppressing them through lawsuits."

The Khon Rak Ban Kerd Dan Khun Thot Group has already submitted complaints to several government bodies, including the National Human Rights Commission of Thailand, urging action against SLAPP cases, particularly those filed by public officials.

While this ruling marks a significant step forward for justice in Thailand, the defenders emphasize that their fight continues. They remain committed to protecting freedom of expression, environmental rights, and resisting corporate-driven legal harassment.