A Bangkok court has acquitted Thaksin Shinawatra, the former Thai prime minister and billionaire, of lese majeste charges related to an interview from a decade ago in which he allegedly insulted the monarchy. Facing up to 15 years in prison, the controversial charge stemmed from remarks made in a South Korean newspaper regarding the military coup that ousted his sister Yingluck's government in 2014. Advocates argue that Thailand’s lese majeste law is frequently used to suppress dissent against the monarchy and target political rivals.
The ruling comes as his daughter, Paetongtarn, suspended from prime ministership, awaits a Constitutional Court decision on her political fate. The verdict offers a reprieve for the influential Shinawatra family amid escalating political challenges. Thaksin's attorney, Winyat Charmontree, noted his client's relief post-verdict, revealing that Thaksin expressed gratitude and intent to contribute positively to the nation's future.
The case against Thaksin, reactivated after his return to Thailand in 2022, began during the military junta in 2016 when he was in exile. Despite initial perceptions that the legal basis was weak, the court’s interpretation ultimately led to his acquittal, based on the specifics of legislative wording, as Thaksin did not explicitly name any individual.
As an influential figure in the Pheu Thai party, Thaksin's presence is still felt in Thai politics, despite his previous exile. Following his return, questions have arisen regarding alleged agreements with conservative factions to allow Pheu Thai to govern despite its diminished electoral standings. Amid these dynamics, his daughter’s recent political instability further complicates the power dynamics of the Shinawatra legacy.
Thaksin’s ongoing court challenges, including one next month concerning his hospital transfer during a prior sentence, may force Pheu Thai to call early elections. Risks loom for the party as it evaluates its performance against the backdrop of a shifting political landscape. Thaksin's ability to navigate these challenges and influence domestic policy, particularly regarding upcoming border disputes and governance strategies, will be scrutinized as the family grapples with maintaining its political clout in Thailand.
