Appeals Court Sentences Lawyer Sitra to One Year in Prison
Region 4 Appeals Court has overturned a previous ruling, sentencing prominent lawyer Sitra Biebangkerd to one year in prison without suspension for defamation.
On October 29, 2026, the Region 4 Appeals Court in Nakhon Phanom issued a verdict in a defamation case involving well-known lawyer Sitra Biebangkerd. The court overturned a previous decision, sentencing Sitra and a female business associate to one year in prison without suspension. Additionally, the defendants were ordered to pay 300,000 baht in damages. The case stems from a 2022 press conference regarding a 25-million-baht dispute, which involved allegations against former political figures, including the former second deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, Supachai Phosu, and his family. The plaintiffs, including Supachai and his daughter, had filed the lawsuit following the public remarks made by the defendants. For residents and visitors, this high-profile legal development highlights the strict enforcement of defamation laws in Thailand, particularly concerning public statements made against political figures and their families. While the court has delivered its appellate ruling, it remains to be confirmed whether the defendants will pursue a further appeal to the Supreme Court or if they will be immediately detained. Observers are monitoring the situation to see how this judgment impacts the legal standing of the individuals involved.
