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Thaksin Wins Case: Jubilant Scenes Outside Court

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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.

 

The Criminal Court's decision marked a significant moment for Thaksin, who has been embroiled in legal battles since his time in office. The charges centred on Section 112 of the Penal Code, concerning Thailand's strict lèse-majesté laws, and accusations under the Computer Crime Act. Both charges were dismissed, absolving Thaksin of the allegations that had loomed over his political career.

 

As Thaksin left the courthouse, a lively crowd of red-shirt supporters had assembled, creating an atmosphere buzzing with energy and support. Despite not rolling down his car window due to safety reasons, the enthusiasm was palpable as supporters waved, chanted, and sang in celebration of the court's decision.

“Thaksin, fight on!” and “We love Thaksin!” echoed through the air, underscoring the unwavering loyalty he still commands among his followers.

 

One supporter passionately told reporters, “We’ve supported Thaksin since his Thai Rak Thai days. Even with the Pheu Thai Party’s challenges, our trust in him remains unshaken.” This sentiment reflects Thaksin’s enduring influence on many Thais who see him as a transformative figure in Thai politics.

 

 

Thaksin’s legal victory is likely to intensify the political discourse in Thailand, as his presence continues to provoke strong reactions from both supporters and critics. The acquittal may bolster his influence within Thai politics, even from abroad, a factor that keeps the political landscape in Thailand dynamic and unpredictable.

 

While Thaksin’s acquittal is a personal triumph, its wider implications for Thai politics cannot be overstated. His supporters view this as a vindication, potentially reigniting movements calling for political reforms that he advocated during his tenure.

 

The scenes outside the courthouse reflect a broader narrative of political passion and division in Thailand. Thaksin remains a polarising figure; to his loyalists, he symbolises progress and prosperity, while critics remain wary of his influence.

 

As Thailand continues its complex political journey, Thaksin’s acquittal adds another layer to the ongoing narrative. The fervent support from the red-shirt movement highlights the enduring impact of his leadership and policies on the nation's political fabric. Whether this leads to a resurgence in political activity or a shift in alliances remains to be seen, but for now, Thaksin's supporters have something significant to celebrate.

 

image.png  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Nation 2025-08-22

 

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Being proven in court not to have committed lese majeste does seem to indicate the door is open.

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7 minutes ago, Purdey said:

Being proven in court not to have committed lese majeste does seem to indicate the door is open.

Sure does. I figured the court would just kick the decision down the road some more.

 

IMO, this means his rumored 'deal' with his erstwhile Establishment foes is definitely going forward. So no military coup either then. Wonder how the markets and foreign exchange will respond to this news (likely nothing on the latter). Also let's see the anti-Thaksin/nationalist's reaction. They might be told by their Establishment bosses to stay home. That would be another strong indicator if they do so.

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Would suggest Tony knew the results prior to the official announcement, otherwise he would have been overseas on official business. 

So how will this shade his daughter's imminent joust with the [insert fancifully named legal entity of the moment here].

 

BTW, with regard to daddy, isn't there still the "police hospital" case to be decided soon?

2 hours ago, blaze master said:

I wonder how much it cost..

More than we could dream of.

Proceedings held in secret but it was earlier reported that Thaksin's defence was that didn't say that to the Korean newspaper.  If that were the case, you would have thought that he would demanded an immediate retraction or correction by the Korean paper, rather than risk a LM case.   

3 hours ago, ronnie50 said:

Sure does. I figured the court would just kick the decision down the road some more.

 

IMO, this means his rumored 'deal' with his erstwhile Establishment foes is definitely going forward. So no military coup either then. Wonder how the markets and foreign exchange will respond to this news (likely nothing on the latter). Also let's see the anti-Thaksin/nationalist's reaction. They might be told by their Establishment bosses to stay home. That would be another strong indicator if they do so.

 

I think many people feel that being let off the hook in this case, implies that what you suggest, i.e. Thaksin is still considered useful to them in keeping PP and its disturbing reform agenda at bay, so may as well not let the brown envelopes go to waster. That would imply no penalty for Thaksin personally in his 14F case and that Ung Ing will be let off too. 

 

However, I suspect that may just be kicking the can down the road, as another couple of years of Thaksin crushing the economy with his inept policies could make PP come back even stronger in the next election.  It is unlikely they would try to amend the LM law in the near future though but other potential reforms like decentralization, reform of education and end to conscription and action against virtual monopolies, welfare etc may still very scary to them.

 

There is still a potential law suit against all the coalition MPs who voted to take allocated funds away from state enterprises to use for the 10K handouts which was a violation of the budget rules in the constitution.  That could potentially ban all PT, BJP and uncle party MPs, leaving only the surviving PP and some minnows.

29 minutes ago, Dogmatix said:

i.e. Thaksin is still considered useful to them in keeping PP and its disturbing reform agenda at bay, so may as well not let the brown envelopes go to waster.

I don't think (and didn't mean) that anyone was getting brown envelopes. I meant that the Establishment is a tight circle (in a sense) and those within it know which way to go in the case of Thaksin. That suggests to me that he was let off the hook because he has done another deal with the broader closed-circle of Establishment. So just a slight clarification there. On his party's performance, I don't think that aforementioned group cares either way - they are about enriching themselves and their families. So he's done a deal with them, and in return he gets off the hook.

4 hours ago, ronnie50 said:

Sure does. I figured the court would just kick the decision down the road some more.

 

IMO, this means his rumored 'deal' with his erstwhile Establishment foes is definitely going forward. So no military coup either then. Wonder how the markets and foreign exchange will respond to this news (likely nothing on the latter). Also let's see the anti-Thaksin/nationalist's reaction. They might be told by their Establishment bosses to stay home. That would be another strong indicator if they do so.

Bosses Boss....

4 hours ago, GreasyFingers said:

Business as usual, what a shame.

so you're ok with lese majeste law?   

 

4 hours ago, Dogmatix said:

I think many people feel that being let off the hook in this case, implies that what you suggest, i.e. Thaksin is still considered useful to them in keeping PP and its disturbing reform agenda at bay

 

This is why he was allowed home and given the "treatment" he received. He serves the Table and will continue to serve.

 

Like a never ending theatre play ,  the actors change but the curtain never

falls !

Oh my goodness - surprise, surprise.  :glare:

13 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

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”

 

They're too stupied to understand that he's a sicko.

Tony, Hits a home run again,  surprise surprise. :coffee1:

There are 281 similar political prisoners who have been imprisoned on long sentences on the most flimsy & spurious charges.

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