Thai PM to drop media lawsuits

Mr Sondhi has complained about government corruption and abuse of power

Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is to withdraw lawsuits against a media mogul who has become one of his fiercest critics, his lawyers say.

The surprise move by Mr Thaksin follows a gentle public reprimand by the country's king during his birthday speech on Sunday.

Mr Thaksin had filed six lawsuits against Sondhi Limthongkul, who has held weekly rallies denouncing him.

Thailand's media has accused Mr Thaksin of trying to muzzle all criticism.

"The prime minister is forgiving everyone in order to create conciliation by withdrawing all the lawsuits against Sondhi," Thana Benjathikul, chief of Mr Thaksin's legal team, told reporters on Tuesday.

"I will go to court and withdraw the suits this afternoon," Mr Thana said.

Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who is widely revered in the country, appeared to press Mr Thaksin in his birthday speech to be less sensitive to criticism.

"The PM is not wrong. The PM can do anything. There is no need to go on air on the TV [to complain]... It has been 10 times going on air. So the people are getting fed up. They want to see soap dramas instead," he said.

Government spokesman Suraphong Suebwonglee said Mr Thaksin respected the king's opinion.

"The government will fully listen to the king's advice, and from now on this government will accept both praise and criticism from the public and the opposition," he said.

Mr Sondhi's lawyer said his client was pleased with the outcome but would still go ahead with this week's rally on Friday.