Nearly two years after stories of their celeb love triangle seared social media, a slander suit brought by Ning Panita against “Hi-so Namwhan” ended with a guilty verdict and jail sentence.
Worapan “Hi-so Namwhan” Pankongchuen and her mother Ampaipan Pankongchuen were each sentenced in criminal court to one year and six months in jail plus fines plus fines of THB75,000 for slanding Panita “Ning” Thamwattana in the press.
Namwhan and her mother had publicly accused Panita of bringing her friends to attack Namwhan at a restaurant in the Thonglor area in September, 2013. Namwhan told reporters the 37-year-old actress hit her with a mobile phone over allegations Namwhan was having an affair with Panita’s husband.
The Criminal Court said the accusation damaged the actress’s reputation. Defamation suits are serious business In Thailand, where the “truth” of any statements is not a valid legal defense. Either way, the incident alleged by Namhwan has never been confirmed.
Of course Namwhan and her mother were put on two years probation, Thairath reported, meaning like most folks of some standing, they’ll probably never see the inside of a cell.
Get fresh Coconuts delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our newsletter for a chance to win a marvelous Coconuts hat.
