Thaksin, ex-prime minister of Thailand, indicted for lese majeste offenses.
Another accusation levied against Thaksin, as per the accusers, is based on the Computer Crimes Act. If found guilty, the former prime minister faces a potential imprisonment of up to five years. The court set the bail at 500,000 Baht, approximately 13,000 Euro, thus restricting Thaksin from leaving the country without approval. The following court hearing is scheduled for August 19th.
Thaksin's lawyer claims he denies all allegations, suggesting they are a trick by the Establishment to undermine him and Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin of the Pheu-Thai Party.
Thailand's law against defaming the monarchy is known for its stringency worldwide, punishing defamation of King Maha Vajiralongkorn and his family with up to 15 years in prison. Critics argue that the law is misused to stifle political discussions.
Human rights activists claim that the law, referred to as Article 112 in Thailand, has been used over a hundred times to suppress protests during the pro-democratic demonstrations in 2020 and 2021. The Thai Lawyers for Human Rights (THLR) legal team reports that Thaksin is among over 270 defendants charged under this law since the protests.
Thaksin was granted parole from prison in February. He was previously sentenced to eight years in prison for corruption and abuse of power in August of the previous year. He served as the prime minister from 2001 until a military coup in 2006. As a media mogul, Thaksin continues to exert considerable influence on Thai politics.
Thaksin's trial unfolded concurrently with constitutional court deliberations on three other cases that could potentially spark a political crisis in the Southeast Asian nation. One case revolves around the potential removal of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin due to the appointment of a convicted minister. Another case involves the Election Commission's request for the dissolution of the largest opposition party, the Move Forward Party (MFP), which won the most seats in the last parliamentary election but was prevented from forming a government.
The MFP had pledged to reform strict laws regarding defamation of the monarchy. This proposal faced significant opposition from conservative, military, and pro-royalist circles. Several parties refused to collaborate with the MFP and openly opposed party leader Pita Limjaroenrat as prime minister. As a result, the second-placed Pheu-Thai Party took over the government formation. However, the coalition is controversial, as it includes party affiliates of the army.
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- The public prosecutor's office in Thailand is also looking into allegations against Thaksin Shinawatra related to the Computer Crimes Act, similar to the lese majeste charges.
- In South Korea, there have been calls for Thailand to reconsider its use of the Computer Crimes Act in Thaksin's case, given its potential to infringe on freedom of speech.
- Thaksin's indictment for lèse majesté offenses has drawn criticisms from some international organizations, urging Thailand to uphold the principles of freedom of expression.
- The trial of Thaksin Shinawatra has been closely watched in the international community, with some analysts suggesting it could impact Thailand's relations with its neighboring countries.
- The indictment against Thaksin has been a subject of discussion in political circles in Thailand, with some arguing that it could further polarize the nation's political landscape.
- Srettha Thavisin, the prime minister of Thailand, has expressed his support for the law against defaming the monarchy, while also calling for a balance between preserving the monarchy's dignity and respecting freedom of speech.
