Thai journalist's apology settles Tesco libel case

by Nikki Sandison, Brand Republic 28-Nov-08, 09:30

LONDON - Thai business journalist Nongnart Harnivalai, sued by Tesco Lotus for libel damages of £1.9m, has agreed the wording of an apology with the supermarket to end the suit, according to a report.

Harnivalai, who said in her Buzz business gossip column in the Bangkok Biz News in January that Tesco did not love Thailand, has agreed the wording of a clarification with the supermarket before a judge, according to a report in The Guardian.

A short statement will be published on an inside page of the Thai newspaper for three consecutive days saying that Harnivalai is sorry that her readers may have taken the wrong meaning from her story.

Editors at Bangkok Biz News, owned by Thailand's Nation Group, agreed that on the first day a "pointer" would be printed on the front page indicating the position of the apology in the paper.

The newspaper and Tesco Lotus, which will both pay their own legal costs, will meet on February 13 when the supermarket will formally withdraw its claim for damages.

Tesco UK said in a statement: "We took the action reluctantly and throughout have made it clear all we wanted was an apology. We continue to engage as the legal process continues. The case is ongoing and it would be inappropriate to comment."