The trial for criminal defamation and computer crimes to be heard starting 19 May 2016 is the most serious among a series of criminal and civil cases brought by Natural Fruit against researcher and activist Andy Hall. They carry a maximum combined penalty of seven years imprisonment in addition to potential fines.

A related criminal defamation case over an interview that Hall gave on Al Jazeera had been dismissed earlier by the Prakanong Court and the Appeals Court, and is presently under appeal with the Supreme Court. A number of related civil cases are also pending.

Related stories are available here:

Thai court indicts Andy Hall despite NGOs calls to drop charges brought by Natural Fruit; buyers approached: https://business-humanrights.org/en/thai-court-indicts-andy-hall-despite-ngos-calls-to-drop-charges-brought-by-natural-fruit-buyers-approached 

Thailand: Public support for activist Andy Hall grows; trial for case filed by Natural Fruit begins 2 Sept.: https://business-humanrights.org/en/thailand-public-support-for-activist-andy-hall-grows-trial-for-case-filed-by-natural-fruit-begins-2-sept 

Reports and statements on lawsuits filed by Natural Fruit against researcher and activist Andy Hall for alleged defamation: https://business-humanrights.org/en/reports-and-statements-on-lawsuits-filed-by-natural-fruit-against-researcher-and-activist-andy-hall-for-alleged-defamation