Report Crucial Verdict Day for Thaksin: Lèse-Majesté Case Looms

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Picture courtesy of Thai Rath

 

Thaksin Shinawatra, Thailand's ex-Prime Minister, is facing a landmark verdict today in connection with a high-profile lèse-majesté case. Involving charges under Section 112 of the Thai Penal Code, the case has stirred national and international interest, particularly as the verdict date coincides with the second anniversary of Thaksin's return to Thailand.

 

The charges stem from 2015, when Thaksin allegedly gave an interview in South Korea criticising the monarchy. This led to accusations under both the lèse-majesté law and the Computer Crimes Act. The contentious interview resulted in an order for his arrest, but Thaksin fled abroad, only to return years later to serve other sentences.

 

Today's proceedings occur after investigative work and a string of legal manoeuvres, including Thaksin's refusal of the charges and a plea for justice. His continued denial prompted the Attorney General to undertake further investigation. This culminated in formal charges against Thaksin under multiple legal provisions, including the Computer Crimes Act and National Security regulations. External to these developments, Thaksin's legal strategy included appealing his case based on health grounds, at one point delaying proceedings.

 

Upon his return in August 2023, Thaksin was apprehended and held in connection with other legal matters. Despite his past convictions, he secured provisional release with conditions prohibiting foreign travel, unless permitted by the court. The criminal court sanctioned this bail with a deposit requirement of 500,000 THB.

 

Evidence hearings commenced in July 2024, with testimonies from both the prosecution and Thaksin’s defence, including high-profile testimonies from Thaksin and other notable figures. These hearings were conducted behind closed doors, indicative of the case's sensitive nature, reported Thai Rath.

 

The court convenes today at 10:00 a.m. in a charged atmosphere, with potential outcomes that could influence Thailand's political landscape. This was a pivotal moment not only for Thaksin, but possibly for Thailand's legal and political systems. The court's decision could reverberate far beyond the courthouse.

 

Today's verdict, the culmination of years of legal drama, takes place against the backdrop of Thaksin's two-year return anniversary. His future, both personally and politically, may hinge on this critical judgement.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thai Rath 2025-08-22

 

[JoePai]

Odious individual

[ozz1]

He is sick time for the neck brace again what a joke

[Gottfrid]

Nothing sticks on teflon Tony!

[Emdog]

Like or hate him, it is an absurd law wielded against political enemies more often than not. Remember when some senator was charged (or threatened with charge) because he said Taksin's plane was better than you guess who.