BANGKOK (AP) - Thaksin Shinawatra, the former Prime Minister of Thailand, announced on Friday that he was acquitted of royal defamation by a Bangkok court. This ruling comes amid significant scrutiny, as Thailand’s laws pertaining to defaming the monarchy, known as lese majeste, are among the strictest in the world, carrying potential prison sentences of three to fifteen years.
Thaksin's lawyer confirmed the court's decision, however, the Bangkok Criminal Court did not immediately release an official statement regarding the verdict. The case has drawn attention due to the increasing use of lese majeste laws in Thailand to silence critics of the government, particularly those who challenge the traditional power structures.
When Thaksin was indicted in the previous year, he was granted bail with conditions, including a bond of 500,000 baht (approximately $13,000). As part of his bail conditions, he was prohibited from traveling outside of Thailand unless permitted by the court, and his passport was confiscated. This preventative measure reflects the Thai judicial system's attempts to both monitor and restrict the movements of individuals facing serious accusations.
The accusations against Thaksin stemmed from statements he made to journalists during a visit to South Korea a year prior. Initially, the case was not pursued because Thaksin was in exile at the time, making it impossible to complete the necessary legal procedures. However, following his return to Thailand, Thaksin has remained in the public eye, making various appearances across the nation while providing political commentary that could potentially provoke the conservative factions responsible for his ousting in 2006.
Thaksin, whose tenure as Prime Minister was marred by allegations of corruption and abuse of power, has faced opposition primarily from royalist factions. His critics accused him of undermining the monarchy and disrespecting the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who passed away in 2016. The political landscape in Thailand remains deeply divided, with royalist supporters staunchly aligned against Thaksin and his legacy.
The case against Thaksin reflects broader tensions within Thai society regarding the monarchy and the political establishment. The stringent laws regarding royal defamation are seen by many as tools for political repression, leading to a chilling effect on free speech and dissent. As Thaksin continues to maneuver through Thailand's complex political landscape, his acquittal marks another significant moment in the ongoing saga of his controversial political career.
Overall, Thaksin Shinawatra's acquittal on charges of royal defamation underscores the intricate relationship between the monarchy and the political realm in Thailand and highlights the challenges faced by those who oppose the establishment.
