High Court Clears Thaksin of Lèse-Majesté Charges
A Bangkok criminal court has acquitted former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra of royal defamation charges—commonly referred to as lèse majesté—ruling that the prosecution failed to prove intent to insult the monarchy. Thaksin faced up to 15 years in prison under Thailand’s strict defamation laws.
Weak Evidence and Potential Bias Undermine Case
The charges stemmed from comments Thaksin made during a 2015 South Korean media interview about the coup that ousted his sister Yingluck. The court found the testimony and evidence provided by the prosecution insufficient and noted that the comments lacked clear reference to the monarchy. The judge also hinted at possible political bias behind the complaint.
Not Over Yet: More Legal Battles Ahead for the Shinawatra Clan
Despite the acquittal being a significant legal reprieve, Thaksin still faces another crucial hearing on September 9 over whether time spent in a police hospital should count toward serving a previous sentence for corruption.
His daughter, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, is also under scrutiny. A constitutional court will rule on August 29 regarding alleged ethical violations tied to a leaked call with Cambodia’s Hun Sen—a case that could result in her removal from office.
Context: The Political Weight of Section 112
Thailand’s lèse majesté law—one of the strictest royalty-defamation laws in the world—has long been used in political disputes. Thaksin’s acquittal marks a rare moment of legal relief, especially for a figure deeply entwined with populist politics and recurrent legal controversy in Thailand’s fraught government-military divide.
Why It Matters
- Legal Benchmark: The ruling shows that, despite the law’s rigidity, insufficient evidence can result in acquittal.
- Shinawatra Resilience: The case underscores Thaksin’s enduring political influence and the high-stakes struggle between his populist movement and the royalist-military establishment.
- Instability Remains: With ongoing legal and political turbulence, the Shinawatra name continues to symbolize both hope and division in Thailand’s future.
While this verdict may offer temporary relief to Thaksin and his family, the road ahead remains complex. With additional rulings and political challenges looming, Thailand’s polarized political landscape shows no signs of cooling.
