Bangkok's court decision clears Thaksin of all charges stemming from his comments about the monarchy and opens a new chapter in the ongoing struggle of the Shinawatra family in Thai politics.
Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra Acquitted of Lese Majeste Charges
Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra Acquitted of Lese Majeste Charges
In a landmark ruling, former Thai PM Thaksin Shinawatra was acquitted in a royal insult case linked to a decade-old newspaper interview.
A Bangkok court has acquitted Thaksin Shinawatra, the former Thai Prime Minister and billionaire, in a lese majeste case that accused him of insulting the monarchy during an interview ten years ago with a South Korean publication. If convicted, Thaksin could have faced up to 15 years in prison, but the judge ruled that he did not directly name individuals in the comments regarding royal influence over the 2014 military coup that ousted his sister’s government.
Thailand's strict lese majeste laws prohibit any criticism of the monarchy, though they have been criticized for being weaponized against political opponents and activists. Critics assert that the timing of the case and Thaksin’s political lineage raise questions about the true nature of the charges. The case's dismissal comes amid family turmoil, as Thaksin’s daughter, suspended PM Paetongtarn, awaits a ruling from the Constitutional Court regarding her potential removal from office, further complicating the Shinawatra family's political landscape.
The charges against Thaksin were notably filed during the military junta regime in 2016 while he was in exile, only to be revived after his return last year. The former prime minister expressed gratitude to his legal team after the verdict and stated his desire to contribute positively to Thailand’s future.
This judicial outcome marks two years since Thaksin ended his self-imposed exile, a move believed to be part of a political bargain allowing his party, Pheu Thai, to remain relevant in a shifting political climate. Despite a commonly held belief that he would maintain a low profile, Thaksin remains influential behind the scenes, guiding party decisions and policies, including controversial proposals like casino legalization.
However, his daughter’s recent faux pas during a phone conversation leak, where she referred to Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen as "uncle," has reignited speculations about the balance of power within the Shinawatra family. Accusations of dual leadership have emerged, as critics fear that the family’s controversial ties and decisions could jeopardize Thailand's stability amid ongoing global uncertainties.
As Thaksin braves another upcoming court challenge regarding his prior incarceration, the stakes for both him and his political party could lead to early elections and potentially significant losses should current tensions remain unresolved.
