Former Thai PM Thaksin Shinawatra Faces Trial for Alleged Royal Insult

Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is set to be indicted on June 18 for allegedly insulting the monarchy in a 2015 TV interview in South Korea. Thaksin, 74, faces charges under Thailand's lese-majeste law, which carries a potential 15-year prison sentence, and is also accused of violating the Computer Crime Act.

The charges stem from an interview Thaksin gave in Seoul, where he allegedly defamed the royal institution. The complaint was lodged by the royalist military that ousted the government of his sister, Yingluck Shinawatra, in 2014. Thaksin's lawyer, Winyat Chatmontree, has prepared a comprehensive defense and will seek bail.

Thaksin's trial has significant implications for Thailand's political terrain and the future of its monarchy. A guilty verdict could lead to further political unrest and potentially destabilize the country's government.

"The attorney general has decided to indict Thaksin on all charges," said Prayuth Pecharakun, a spokesperson for Thailand's attorney general. Thaksin, who denies any wrongdoing, has repeatedly pledged loyalty to the crown.

Thaksin's case is the highest-profile among over 270 prosecutions in recent years under Thailand's lese-majeste law. Critics argue that the law has been abused to silence political opponents. "We believe that Thaksin is ready to prove himself and his innocence in the judicial process," said Winyat Chatmontree.

Thaksin was first elected Prime Minister in 2001 but was removed in a military coup in 2006. He has been in self-imposed exile for 15 years, during which his populist political movement continued to win elections. He returned to Thailand in August 2023 after his daughter's party, Pheu Thai, took power as part of a coalition government.

Since his return, Thaksin has been active in politics, despite claiming to have retired. His family's parties have won all but one election since 2001, with three Shinawatra governments toppled by coups or court rulings. Thaksin's return has fueled speculation that he had struck a deal with his rivals in the conservative establishment and military.

Political analyst Thitinan Pongsudhirak of Chulalongkorn University believes the indictment could be a warning to Thaksin to stay in line. "Now his adversaries see this as 'Thaksin's back,' he's fully back in Thai politics, and maybe he crossed the line," said Thitinan.

Thaksin's upcoming trial on June 18 is expected to have significant political implications. The Constitutional Court is also expected to decide whether to dissolve the Move Forward Party, which has campaigned to amend the lese-majeste law. A separate complaint is seeking life bans for 44 current and former Move Forward legislators.

As Thaksin faces these charges, the political situation in Thailand remains tense, with potential ramifications for the country's future direction and stability.

Key Takeaways

• Thaksin Shinawatra to be indicted on June 18 for allegedly insulting the monarchy.
• Faces 15-year prison sentence under Thailand's lese-majeste law and Computer Crime Act.
• Charges stem from 2015 TV interview in South Korea where he allegedly defamed the royal institution.
• Guilty verdict could lead to political unrest and destabilize the government.
• Thaksin's trial has significant implications for Thailand's political terrain and monarchy's future.