Former Thai PM Thaksin Shinawatra Faces Court Over Alleged Royal Insult

Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is set to appear in court on June 18 over an alleged insult to the royal family made in a 2015 interview. The charges, which include violations of Thailand's lese majeste law and the computer crime law, could potentially lead to a prison sentence of up to 15 years per offense.

The accusations stem from comments Thaksin allegedly made during an interview in Seoul, South Korea, where he claimed that the Privy Council of Thailand was involved in protests that led to the 2014 military coup. Thaksin's lawyer, Winyat Chatmontree, has prepared a comprehensive defense and plans to seek bail.

The case against Thaksin Shinawatra has significant implications for the political environment in Thailand, potentially affecting the balance of power and the future of the Pheu Thai Party. If convicted, Thaksin could face up to 15 years in prison, which would likely curtail his political ambitions and influence in the country.

Thaksin fled Thailand in 2008 to avoid a prison term for corruption and tax evasion charges following a military coup in 2006. He returned to Thailand in August 2023 and was convicted of abuse of power and conflicts of interest. However, he was released in February 2024 after six months' detention on account of health reasons and a royal pardon from King Maha Vajiralongkorn.

Analysts believe the impending indictments could be a warning to Thaksin to curb his political ambitions. His return to Thailand was seen as a strategic move to bolster support for the populist Pheu Thai Party, which he founded. Thaksin's daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, is the party chief, and his business ally, Srettha Thavisin, is the current prime minister.

Tita Sanglee, an independent analyst, commented, "I think what this says, from a political standpoint, is that the conservatives are giving Thaksin a big warning." Thitinan Pongsudhirak of Chulalongkorn University added, "Now his adversaries see this as 'Thaksin's back,' he's fully back in Thai politics, and maybe he crossed the line."

The lese majeste law in Thailand is among the strictest in the world, with over 270 prosecutions in recent years. It criminalizes insults and threats toward the king, queen, and heirs to the throne, with sentences of up to 15 years per offense. The computer crime law further outlaws the entry of false data into a computer system.

The case against Thaksin has broader implications for political amnesty efforts in Thailand. Chaithawat Tulathon, leader of the Move Forward Party, acknowledged that the lese majeste case against Thaksin could affect ongoing efforts to seek a general amnesty for political detainees and other lese majeste suspects.

Despite the charges, Thaksin remains defiant. His lawyer, Winyat Chatmontree, stated, *"Thaksin Shinawatra is ready to prove his innocence in the justice system. "* The outcome of this trial could significantly impact Thaksin's political future and the broader political environment in Thailand.

Key Takeaways

• Thaksin Shinawatra to appear in court on June 18 for alleged royal insult.
• Charges include lese majeste law and computer crime law, carrying up to 15 years' imprisonment.
• Case may affect Thaksin's political ambitions and influence in Thailand.
• Analysts see indictment as a warning to Thaksin to curb his political ambitions.
• Outcome may impact political amnesty efforts and Thailand's political environment.