Politics Former PM Thaksin Shinawatra to Face Court in Lèse Majesté Hearing

[snoop1130]

Picture courtesy of Thai PBS

 

Former Prime Minister of Thailand, Thaksin Shinawatra, is scheduled to appear in person at the Criminal Court as part of a pre-trial hearing in a significant lèse majesté case. This stems from comments he reportedly made during an interview with South Korean media outlet Chosun in 2015, which were considered defamatory to the monarchy.

 

Thaksin’s legal representative, Winyat Chartmontree, confirmed that he will attend the evidence examination session starting at 9 a.m. The court will meticulously review evidence presented by both the prosecution and the defence teams.

 

The hearings are set to take place over three consecutive days, from today until Thursday, operating from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This schedule underscores the court's commitment to a thorough examination of the case, given its sensitivity and high-profile nature.

 

Following his acknowledgment of the charge in August last year, Thaksin was granted bail set at Bt500,000. As a condition of his bail, he is prohibited from leaving Thailand without obtaining permission from the court, ensuring that he remains within jurisdiction during these proceedings.

 

The lèse majesté charge is a serious offence in Thailand, often involving comments that are perceived as disrespectful to the monarchy. Thaksin's alleged remarks during the interview a decade ago have once again brought this contentious issue to the forefront of Thai legal and political discussions.

 

The case is attracting considerable attention both domestically and internationally, given Thaksin’s prominent political history and the broader implications of lèse majesté laws in Thailand. The outcome of these hearings could potentially impact political dynamics and the interpretation of free speech within the country.

 

Observers and stakeholders are keenly watching the proceedings, as the court navigates the complex interplay of legal protocols and societal norms. The hearings are expected to provide greater clarity on the evidence and arguments from both sides, setting the stage for subsequent legal developments.

 

As the hearings progress, the focus will remain on the legal team’s strategies and the potential ramifications of the court's decisions, which could have a lasting impact on Thailand's political landscape and legal precedents.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thai PBS 2025-07-01