The ruling comes at a pivotal moment for the Shinawatra family, as Thaksin's daughter, Prime Minister Paetongtarn, is facing a potential ousting from office. While Thaksin's acquittal offers temporary respite, his party's recent electoral performance and upcoming legal challenges indicate that the clan’s ability to navigate Thailand’s turbulent political landscape remains uncertain.
Thaksin Shinawatra Acquitted of Lese Majeste Charges in Thailand
Thaksin Shinawatra Acquitted of Lese Majeste Charges in Thailand
A Bangkok court finds former PM Thaksin Shinawatra not guilty of insulting the monarchy, lifting a significant political burden for the Shinawatra family.
Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has been acquitted by a Bangkok court regarding allegations of lese majeste, a law prohibiting insults against the monarchy. The charges stemmed from an interview he gave to a South Korean newspaper a decade ago, where he implicated palace figures in a military coup that ousted his sister's government. Had he been found guilty, Thaksin faced up to 15 years in prison. Despite the law's broad application, which critics claim targets political dissenters, judges determined that the former premier's remarks did not meet the criteria for defamation against the monarchy.
