Investigative Journalist Tom Wright Faces Criminal Defamation Case in Thailand

May 18, 2026 – Thailand –

Investigative journalist Tom Wright is facing criminal defamation charges in Thailand over reporting that linked a Thai politician to alleged money laundering operations connected to Southeast Asian scam networks, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).

Wright, co-founder of the Singapore-based investigative newsletter Whale Hunting, said the lawsuit was filed by Thai politician Vorapak Tanyawong following a series of reports alleging that the politician was connected to a criminal network laundering funds from Cambodian online scam centers through Thai financial institutions. The investigations reportedly relied on documents and financial records connected to regional scam operations.

Vorapak resigned from his position as Thailand’s deputy finance minister in October 2025 shortly after the publication of Whale Hunting’s investigation. Wright told CPJ that the lawsuit seeks approximately $1.5 million in damages and includes criminal defamation accusations that could carry a prison sentence of up to two years under Thailand’s criminal defamation laws.

The Committee to Protect Journalists condemned the legal action and called on Vorapak to withdraw the complaint immediately. CPJ’s senior Southeast Asia representative Shawn Crispin described the case as a “textbook abuse” of Thailand’s legal system intended to silence public-interest journalism. The organization also renewed calls for Thailand to reform criminal defamation statutes that press freedom groups say are frequently weaponized against reporters, activists, and critics.

Wright responded publicly by saying Whale Hunting would continue its reporting and would not be intimidated by legal pressure. He stated that the publication was prepared to defend its reporting in court and argued that investigative journalism into corruption and organized crime remains essential in Southeast Asia.

The case has drawn broader attention because Thailand has increasingly faced criticism from international rights organizations over the use of Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation, commonly known as SLAPPs. These cases often involve lengthy and costly legal proceedings that critics say are designed to intimidate journalists rather than address legitimate reputational harm.

Press freedom advocates note that journalists in Thailand have repeatedly faced criminal defamation complaints for reporting on political corruption, business interests, and state institutions. Rights groups argue that the threat of imprisonment under criminal defamation laws creates a chilling effect on investigative journalism and discourages reporters from pursuing sensitive stories involving powerful figures.

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Investigative reporter Tom Wright faces criminal defamation charge in Thailand