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

 

Odious individual

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

Nothing sticks on teflon Tony!

I hope they did not forget that once claimed that wanted to be first head of the country years ago.... Hope he will be charged and put in jail, but the brown envelopes and other benefits are being made already and so he will be free to go. He is the only man that got bail, while all others are refused bail time after time...That says enough.. 

As expected:

 

#BREAKING: FMR THAI PM

@ThaksinLive

ACQUITTED IN ROYAL INSULT CASE, ACCORDING TO LAWYER

 

https://x.com/SaksithCNA/status/1958736315383783649

 

Criminal Court Acquits Thaksin in Landmark Case

 

 

The Criminal Court has delivered its verdict in the high-profile case involving Thaksin Shinawatra, the former Prime Minister, who faced charges under Article 112 and the Computer Crimes Act. These charges stemmed from a contentious interview with South Korean media back in May 2015.

 

In a dramatic turn of events, the court has acquitted Thaksin of all charges. This decision marks a significant moment in Thai politics, potentially rejuvenating the Peua Thai Party and allowing Thaksin greater freedom to engage on the international stage.

 

With this verdict, the political landscape might experience a notable shift, as Peua Thai could capitalise on renewed momentum. However, the possibility of an appeal by the Attorney General remains, keeping the legal and political discourse very much alive.

 

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

 

Criminal Court living up to its name.

Disgusted of Tunbridge Wells   😡

Reform? You kidding me???

It is just obvious that justice in Thailand can be bought..... How is it possible that all cases against government or rich people are acquitted, while common people always loose.. All protestors with section 112 charges are refused bail, and sentenced to jailterms...A woman who sells egg with crabmeat at a too high price is threated with jail term too, just a few examples... The Red Bull heir is free to as he wants and the Shins ......... anyway Thai justice system must be reformed to real justice because there is more"not guilty" to come.

It is not a coincidence.. that is impossible as you can escape a few times, but not every time

The trial was just theater for the public, giving the illusion of propriety and due process to a predetermined outcome.

... and paid for by the tax-payer...

They should make a wok pan out of this guy. Nothing sticks to him.

UPDATE:

 

Thaksin Acquitted of Royal Defamation and Computer Crime Charges

 

 

Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has been acquitted of royal defamation and computer crime charges linked to a 2015 interview with South Korea's Chosun Media. On August 22, the Criminal Court in Thailand delivered its verdict, ruling the evidence insufficient for conviction.

 

Prosecutors accused Thaksin of breaching Section 112 of the Criminal Code, which governs royal defamation, as well as violating the Computer Crimes Act. The charges were based on comments he allegedly made during a video interview with a South Korean journalist, regarded as defamatory to the monarchy.

 

Thaksin, now 75, appeared in court with a smile, addressing the press briefly with the single word “Acquitted” before leaving. The court found that the video clips used as evidence were incomplete and lacked the full context needed for conviction. Although witnesses confirmed Thaksin's presence in the videos, the prosecution failed to produce the original, unedited footage.

 

Forensic evaluations on whether the video clips had been tampered with were inconclusive. The court highlighted that vague terms used in the interview, such as “he”, “Privy Council”, and “Palace Circle”, were insufficient to specifically implicate the monarch.

 

A single linguistic expert from the prosecution, who had participated in anti-Thaksin protests, faced scrutiny over their neutrality. Additionally, police admitted under cross-examination that the evidence was inadequate, particularly given the unidentified source of the video clip and its online presence.

 

Witnesses who uploaded and shared the clips on Facebook and YouTube perceived the interview as a critique aimed at the 2014 coup, focusing on Suthep Thaugsuban, military leaders, and the Privy Council rather than the monarchy.

 

According to reports, since prosecutors failed to demonstrate that Thaksin's remarks were defamatory or incited hatred against the monarch, the court dismissed all charges under Section 112. Furthermore, the court ruled that since the interview's content was not criminal, its online publication did not violate national security laws, absolving Thaksin of liability under the Computer Crimes Act.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-08-22

 

Teflon Tony strikes again.........Can this guy walk on water?

 

 

31 minutes ago, redwood1 said:

Teflon Tony strikes again.........Can this guy walk on water?

 

 

 

Of course not......he is mortal.

 

The Naga carries him safely through the water and protects him from all harm.

 

 

1 hour ago, webfact said:

Furthermore, the court ruled that since the interview's content was not criminal, its online publication did not violate national security laws, absolving Thaksin of liability under the Computer Crimes Act.

So, can we watch it please (with translation)? Then we can all make our own - preferably sane & sensible - judgment.

Surely no right-minded person agrees with this law?

5 hours ago, webfact said:

Criminal Court Acquits Thaksin in Landmark Case

 

 

The Criminal Court has delivered its verdict in the high-profile case involving Thaksin Shinawatra, the former Prime Minister, who faced charges under Article 112 and the Computer Crimes Act. These charges stemmed from a contentious interview with South Korean media back in May 2015.

 

In a dramatic turn of events, the court has acquitted Thaksin of all charges. This decision marks a significant moment in Thai politics, potentially rejuvenating the Peua Thai Party and allowing Thaksin greater freedom to engage on the international stage.

 

With this verdict, the political landscape might experience a notable shift, as Peua Thai could capitalise on renewed momentum. However, the possibility of an appeal by the Attorney General remains, keeping the legal and political discourse very much alive.

 

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

 

blow to the military who over the past months have been making a concerted effort to take over again.

could even be a step towards Thailand becoming a genuine democracy and a slackening of the grip of the military. Of course they won't take this lyingg=down so we ca expect some more draconian moves from them.

Thaksin Wins Case: Jubilant Scenes Outside Court

 

video screenshot

 

Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has been acquitted of charges under the lèse-majesté and Computer Crime laws, sparking celebrations outside the courthouse. Supporters from the red-shirt movement enthusiastically gathered, declaring him “Prime Minister in our hearts” as they waved banners and chanted slogans in a jubilant display.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1370612-thaksin-wins-case-jubilant-scenes-outside-court/

AG Weighs Appeal After Thaksin Acquitted of Lese Majeste

 

Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, centre, leaves after a court acquitted Thaksin of royal defamation at Criminal Court in Bangkok, Thailand, Friday, Aug. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

 

The Attorney-General, Itthiporn Kaeothip, is contemplating escalating Thaksin Shinawatra's lese majeste case to the Appellate Court. Today, the Criminal Court acquitted Thaksin of charges relating to remarks allegedly involving His Late Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, ending a significant chapter in a long-standing legal saga.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1370688-ag-weighs-appeal-after-thaksin-acquitted-of-lese-majeste/

since the prosecution failed to provide the video and failed to show proof the clips was not tampered with, the acquittal is the only thing the court could do. My guess is Thaksin got to the prosecutors. How can there be clips of a speech made defaming the king and the speech not recorded entirely by the press or that countries government? 

How can the prosecution neglect to produce the required evidence knowing that without it the case would not go anywhere?

22 hours ago, Gottfrid said:

Nothing sticks on teflon Tony!

A much smarter version of his cousin Trump. Hopefully he and his entire clan is out of country soon. Won,t be able to use Cambodia as an escape route any longer. His so called buddy turned the tables on him.

17 hours ago, klauskunkel said:

The trial was just theater for the public, giving the illusion of propriety and due process to a predetermined outcome.

... and paid for by the tax-payer...

Probably the same producer of "The Neckbrace Saga" 

15 hours ago, brewsterbudgen said:

Surely no right-minded person agrees with this law?

Are we allowed to express an opinion on this topic? 

44 minutes ago, Mitkof Island said:

A much smarter version of his cousin Trump. Hopefully he and his entire clan is out of country soon. Won,t be able to use Cambodia as an escape route any longer. His so called buddy turned the tables on him.

Hi, not read something from you for a while. Nice to see you back 🙂 

Yeah, that´s the most probable version, but unfortunately there are so many things under the table here, that we don´t have a clue about. It can also be theatre and deflection playing with human lives as they have no scruples at all when it comes to the value of life. It might just be a sinister game they are playing on a high level laughing in the background raking in the millions/billions. But, I agree. Hopefully they will be, but history has unfortunately been telling a totally different version. I believe that the next step is to bring home Yingluck and continue the iron fist behavior tanking the country out of money at the same time as putting in a few millions in change where people can see how good they are and love them so much. It´s a very gullible flock of sheep they have to sway in any direction that they want.

22 hours ago, ikke1959 said:

.A woman who sells egg with crabmeat at a too high price is threated with jail term too, just a few examples...

 

Not a good example since she is very rich. Her omelletes sell for 1,500 THB each and she (without permission) sold the customer a 4,000 THB one! So overcharged 2,500. Was only slapped with a 2,000 fine in the end.

Remain to be seen how much of clout this man still has.

You either know or you don’t. 
What I know can’t be said, unfortunately.