News
Australian Business Woman Clare Florence Arrested for Criminal Defamation in Bangkok
Ms Florence was arrested at Suvarnabhumi international airport in Bangkok on May 5 before she was released on bail of 50,000 baht ($1600).
CHIANGRAI TIMES – Thai Authorities have confirmed that a Clare Florence a 51-year-old Queensland businesswoman has been arrested in Thailand for criminal defamation and later released on bail.
She reportedly faces the prospect of a 12-month prison sentence.
Clare Florence, a former NSW chairperson of the Australia Thai Business Council, is on bail in Bangkok where she has been placed on a no-fly list, according to her employer.
Ms Florence, who was working for consultancy firm Business Management International (BMI), was arrested at Suvarnabhumi international airport in Bangkok on May 5 before she was released on bail of 50,000 baht ($1600).
A Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) spokeswoman confirmed a woman was arrested and released on bail.
“Australian officials in Bangkok are providing her with consular assistance,” the spokeswoman said in a statement today.
BMI’s chief executive Bruce Wunderlich told the news that the charges against Ms Florence were brought by Malaysian businessman Ronald Wai Choi Ng, the former managing director of Thai gold mining company Tongkah Harbour.
Mr Ng based the charge on things that he alleged Ms Florence had said in a private business meeting, Mr Wunderlich said.
Mr Wunderlich said Mr Ng has claimed to have a recording of the meeting but the illegal recording would be deemed inadmissible as evidence.
Lawyers for Ms Florence have said there was a potential case for wrongful arrest.
