Bangkok, Thailand — In a landmark decision, a Thai court has acquitted former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra of a royal defamation charge, a verdict that could have resulted in a 15-year prison sentence. The ruling is a significant moment for the Shinawatra family, which has been at the center of Thailand's tumultuous political landscape for more than two decades.The case against Thaksin, 76, stemmed from comments he made to journalists in South Korea in 2015. The prosecution alleged his remarks violated Thailand's strict lese-majeste law, known as Section 112, which carries a penalty of three to 15 years in prison for anyone who "defames, insults or threatens" the monarchy.
However, the Bangkok Criminal Court dismissed the charges, with Thaksin’s lawyer, Winyat Chatmontree, confirming the verdict. According to Winyat, the court found the prosecution's evidence to be insufficient and noted that the account of the interview lacked context, suggesting that the complaint against Thaksin may have been politically motivated.
Thaksin, smiling as he left the courtroom, simply responded with "Dismissal" to a flurry of questions from journalists. His supporters, gathered outside the court, expressed relief and celebrated the decision, though some remained wary of future political challenges.
While the acquittal is a victory for Thaksin, his political dynasty is far from secure. The ruling comes as his daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who is the current Prime Minister, faces her own legal challenges. She has been suspended from her role since July 1 and a Constitutional Court decision is expected next week that could permanently remove her from office. The case against her alleges a serious ethical breach related to a leaked phone call with a Cambodian official.
Thaksin himself is also not entirely in the clear. He still faces another legal case, with the Supreme Court set to rule in September on whether his six-month stay in a hospital in 2024 should count as time served for a previous corruption sentence. If the court rules against him, he could be sent back to prison.
The Shinawatra family's long history in Thai politics has been a saga of popular electoral victories and subsequent ousters by the military or the judiciary. Twice elected as prime minister in the early 2000s, Thaksin was overthrown in a military coup in 2006. He spent 15 years in self-imposed exile, only returning to Thailand in 2023 on the same day his family’s Pheu Thai party formed a new government. Despite having no official role, he is widely seen as the influential figure behind the current government.
Analysts say that while the acquittal offers a temporary reprieve, the ongoing legal battles and political turmoil highlight the deep-seated power struggle between the Shinawatra-aligned populist movement and Thailand's pro-military, pro-monarchy establishment. The outcome of the upcoming court cases will likely determine the political future of both the Shinawatra family and the country.
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