Judicial commissioner Eddie Yeo announced the decision after reviewing the oral and written submissions from both sides.
Yeo was quoted by The Edge as saying the protective order was granted in Thai’s favour as the case did not involve matters of public interest, despite objections from Thai’s wife, Tan Bee Geok.
Under the order, the media and social media are prohibited from publishing or reporting details of the proceedings, including the identities of the parties and witnesses, unless permitted by the court.
The order also allows the proceedings to be conducted in camera, excluding all individuals not directly involved in the case, including members of the public and the media.
Thai was represented by G Rajasingam, while S Ravenesan acted for Tan.
The trial is scheduled to begin on July 27 next year.
In August, Tan, who is the co-founder of the glovemaking giant, opposed Thai’s application to bar the media and public from their high-stakes defamation suit.
She claimed that Thai had no grounds to oppose a public hearing since he claims his impugned statements are true.
Tan also claims that Thai’s statements were circulated beyond their household.
She is suing Thai over a series of text messages and verbal remarks allegedly made to family and friends three years ago, statements, she claims, were calculated to shame her as a mother, relative, and business leader.
Thai, 65, is understood to be calling several well-known individuals to testify, including a former national badminton player, a distinguished businessman, and the manager of a renowned international artiste.
He is seeking other protective measures, including an order that all court transcripts remain confidential and be made available only to the parties and their lawyers.
He also wants all transcribers to sign non-disclosure agreements.
Thai and Tan jointly own Supermax Holdings Sdn Bhd, a substantial shareholder in Supermax Corporation Bhd, one of the world’s leading producers of rubber gloves.
The pair married in 1987, but their relationship deteriorated amid allegations from both sides. In 2022, Tan sought a judicial separation, and Thai filed for divorce in April last year.
Those proceedings are ongoing in the family court.