Thaksin Shinawatra Acquitted in Controversial Lese Majeste Case

Wed Oct 22 2025 17:35:55 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra avoids conviction in a case tied to a 2013 interview, amid ongoing political turbulence.

A Bangkok court has acquitted Thaksin Shinawatra of lese majeste, a charge related to a decade-old interview where he criticized the monarchy. The verdict offers relief to the former PM's family while they navigate complex political challenges in Thailand.

A Bangkok court has acquitted Thaksin Shinawatra, the former Thai Prime Minister and billionaire, of charges involving the lese majeste law, which prohibits insults directed at the monarchy. The accusations stemmed from a 2013 interview he gave to a South Korean publication, where he claimed that the military coup which ousted his sister's government had the backing of influential figures within the royal establishment. If convicted, Thaksin could have faced up to 15 years in prison.

The lese majeste law in Thailand, often criticized for being misused against political adversaries and dissenters, has stirred up considerable controversy over the years. In this case, Thaksin's defense argued that his comments were insufficient to warrant a conviction, especially as he did not explicitly name any individuals, leading judges to choose a more literal interpretation of the statute.

Thaksin's acquittal comes at a challenging time for the Shinawatra family, with his daughter, suspended PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra, currently awaiting a decision from the Constitutional Court regarding her potential removal from office. The outcomes of both cases significantly impact the family's long-established influence over Thai politics.

Thaksin, who spent 15 years in exile, made a dramatic return two years ago, which many speculate involved a complex political bargain that allowed his party, Pheu Thai, to participate in the government despite not winning the recent election outright. As questions swirl around governmental continuity and stability, Thaksin remains a strong, albeit controversial, force within his party.

Despite his claim to relax and keep a low profile upon returning, Thaksin continues to exert major influence over Pheu Thai, leading to accusations of a "dual leadership" model that raises eyebrows in diplomatic circles, especially concerning relationships with neighboring countries like Cambodia.

Facing another court case next month related to a previous jail sentence, Thaksin's ongoing legal woes and the turbulent political landscape suggest that the Shinawatra family will continue to be a focal point in Thai politics, with uncertainties lying ahead regarding their hold on power and the future direction of the country's governance.