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Fair-Comment Defence on Public-Figure Criticism
Public Figure v Journalist / Critic
Composite summary — not a single reported case. This entry distils a settled line of Thai Supreme Court (Dika / ฎีกา) authority for legal education. It is not a transcript of one reported judgment, and the heading is not a citable case number. Do not cite it as specific case law — consult a Thai-qualified lawyer for the authoritative Dika number and current application.
Facts
Critic published opinion piece commenting on public figure's policy actions; complainant alleged defamation.
Legal Issue
Application of Penal Code §329 fair-comment defence.
Holding
Supreme Court line confirms §329 protection of fair comment on matters of public interest, including reasonable criticism of public figures.
Reasoning
§329 codifies the public-interest comment defence; balancing free expression with reputation.
Significance
Important protection for press / commentary.
Practical Takeaway
Commentators should distinguish fact-allegation (subject to truth defence) from opinion (subject to fair-comment).
Cited Statutes
- Penal Code §326, §329
This entry summarises a representative line of authority from the Thai Supreme Court (ฎีกา). It is intended for general legal education only and is not a substitute for advice from a Thai-qualified lawyer. Individual Dika case numbers are being verified against primary sources; until then these entries are presented as composite doctrinal summaries.
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