📷 Image Credits: CGTN
Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is facing an indictment for allegedly insulting the Thai monarchy. The complaint against him stems from an interview he gave to foreign media in 2015, lodged by the royalist military who ousted the government of his sister, Yingluck Shinawatra. Apart from the alleged royal insult, Thaksin is also facing charges under the computer crime law. The attorney general’s decision to indict Thaksin on all charges has led to the former leader being summoned to appear in court on June 18.
Thaksin Shinawatra, aged 74, has consistently denied any wrongdoing and has reiterated his loyalty to the crown, despite criticism of the monarchy being forbidden under Thailand’s lese majeste law. This law, one of the strictest in the world of its kind, carries a maximum jail term of 15 years for each perceived insult to the royal family. Thaksin’s lawyer, Winyat Chartmontri, has confirmed that a comprehensive defense has been prepared for his client, who intends to seek bail.
The billionaire, founder of the populist Pheu Thai party, has been at the center of Thai politics for years, with his family’s parties having a dominant presence in elections since 2001. Thaksin has faced challenges in his political career, with his governments being toppled by coups or court rulings. Despite his 15 years of self-imposed exile, Thaksin made a comeback to Thailand in 2023, only to be later convicted of abuse of power and conflicts of interest, leading to an eight-year prison sentence.
Thaksin’s return to Thailand and subsequent shortened detention in a hospital have sparked speculation that he may have made a deal with his rivals in the establishment and military. However, his allies have denied any such arrangement. With the current government being led by the Pheu Thai party, closely associated with Thaksin, the indictment of the former Prime Minister comes in the wake of other cases involving alleged insults to the royal family.
As Thaksin faces this legal challenge, the political landscape in Thailand remains tense, especially with the Move Forward Party, a prominent opposition party, facing scrutiny over its attempts to amend the lese majeste law. The possibility of Thaksin exerting political influence, despite claiming retirement from politics, sets the stage for potential confrontations between him and his adversaries in the establishment.
In conclusion, Thaksin Shinawatra’s indictment marks a significant development in the ongoing political saga in Thailand, characterized by power struggles, legal battles, and the delicate issue of royal insults. As the former Prime Minister prepares to navigate the legal proceedings ahead, the repercussions of this case on Thai politics and society remain to be seen.
