The Criminal Court in Bangkok has sentenced former politician and well-known corruption crusader Chuvit Kamolvisit to prison for defamation, marking another chapter in his turbulent public life. Once dubbed the “massage parlour king” before transitioning into politics, Chuvit now faces an eight-month jail term for remarks he made against former police officer Santhana Prayoonrat.
The case dates back to November 23, 2022, when Chuvit appeared in a live broadcast on Voice TV’s YouTube channel. During the program, he accused Santhana of being connected to illegal gambling operations, dishonesty, misconduct, and even violent obstruction of state officials. The comments, made in front of reporters and the wider public, quickly drew legal attention.
Prosecutors, representing Santhana, argued that the accusations were false, damaging, and widely publicized. The court agreed, ruling that Chuvit had deliberately spoken in a way that harmed Santhana’s reputation and credibility. Because the comments were broadcast online and could be accessed nationwide, the case fell under defamation by advertisement, a more serious offence under Sections 328 and 393 of the Criminal Code.
Initially, the court handed down a 12-month sentence. However, acknowledging Chuvit’s partial admission of facts, which helped expedite the proceedings, the punishment was reduced to eight months. This ruling underscores Thailand’s strict approach to defamation, especially when claims are made in public forums with a large audience.
This is not Chuvit’s first run-in with the law. In 2020, he completed a one-month prison sentence imposed by the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Persons Holding Political Positions. That earlier case stemmed from his deliberate submission of a false asset and liability declaration to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC). Importantly, the court noted that the latest offence occurred within five years of completing that sentence, a factor weighing against him.
Despite the new conviction, Chuvit will not be heading directly to jail—at least not yet. Following the ruling, he submitted a request for bail pending appeal, secured by a 30,000 baht surety. The court approved the application, allowing him to remain free while his legal team challenges the decision.
Chuvit’s public persona has long oscillated between that of a political maverick and a relentless critic of corruption. Once a powerful businessman in Bangkok’s entertainment industry, he reinvented himself as a whistleblower, exposing shady dealings in government and law enforcement. His outspoken style, however, has frequently landed him in legal trouble, with this latest conviction adding to a growing list of controversies.
The ruling has sparked renewed debate over freedom of expression versus protection of reputation in Thailand. Supporters argue that Chuvit has played a vital role in shedding light on corruption, while critics maintain that his methods often cross legal boundaries. With the case now heading to appeal, it remains to be seen whether Chuvit will ultimately serve time behind bars or find a way to overturn the judgment.
For now, the once-flamboyant politician continues to walk a fine line between outspoken critic and convicted defendant, a balancing act that has defined much of his unconventional career.
