Gulf Energy Development, a Thai energy giant, brought suit against three more MPs from the People’s Party for defamation over the latest no-confidence debate.

The Gulf Energy Development Company filed a suit against Party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, MP Supachot Chaiyasat, and MP Woraphop Viriyaroj for criminal defamation.  It is demanding compensation of 100 million baht from each for statements they made during the latest no-confidence debate regarding the government’s mismanagement of energy policy and high electricity prices.

In a press conference, Natthaphong said that his party was only pushing for a fair and transparent energy structure to address soaring electricity prices which affect the cost of living.

He contends that Thailand's new energy plan not only failed to achieve its purpose but led the government to purchase excess electricity. He is also concerned that the government gave certain energy groups monopolies and now is seemingly unable to disclose the process involved in procurement.

He explained that this is why the People’s Party asked the National Anti-Corruption Commission to investigate the country’s electricity purchase processes and policies from the time of former Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha’s administration to through to the current Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s government.

He said he was also alarmed that performing his duties as an MP during a no-confidence debate could lead to a defamation lawsuit, adding that he and his co-defendants acted with integrity.

On his Facebook page, MP Supachot stressed that his speech during the the debate was meant to protect the public interest and defend those who had no voice to shape national policies.  Reiterating that the government was engaged in policy corruption, he said that the burden fell on ordinary people.

GULF Group is a holding company that invests in power generation, gas, renewable energy, hydropower and infrastructure and utilities businesses. It is also the kingdom’s largest private gas-fired and renewable power producer for the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand and private clients.

Thailand's third-largest energy firm, the company is owned by Sarath Ratanavadi, one of Thailand’s richest individuals, according to Forbes.

It has recently received media attention for the SLAAP suits it has filed against an academic, MPs, and public figures who criticised the government’s energy policies, and soaring electricity prices, in parliament or on social media platforms.

The three MPs are among 10 individuals being sued by the energy giant. MP Rangsiman Rome and MP Bencha Saengchan, both from the People’s Party, are also being sued because of statements made during the no-confidence debates. The company is seeking 100 million baht in compensation from each.