Two journalists from Thai outlet The Isaan Record are facing a defamation lawsuit filed by influential Deputy Prime Minister Suchart Chomklin, after they reported allegations that he accepted bribes from Finnish companies linked to human trafficking of Thai workers. The outlet's editor-in-chief, Hathairat Phaholtap, has denounced the legal action as a SLAPP — a strategic lawsuit intended to intimidate and silence critical voices — and vowed to continue her investigative work despite facing up to 50 million baht (approximately €1.3 million) in damages. Press freedom advocates warn that such abusive legal proceedings are increasingly being used in Thailand by powerful figures against journalists, activists, and whistleblowers who often lack the resources to mount a legal defense.