Thaksin Shinawatra found himself surrounded by a sea of supporters as he made his entrance at the Pheu Thai Party headquarters in March 2024. (Photo: Varuth Hirunyatheb)
The Criminal Court has made a notable move by releasing former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra on bail set at 500,000 baht. This follows his arraignment on charges related to lese-majeste and violations of the Computer Crimes Act, stemming from remarks he made during a 2015 interview. Thaksin reported to public prosecutors early Tuesday morning before being escorted to the Criminal Court for his official arraignment, as confirmed by the Office of the Attorney-General’s spokesperson.
Justice spokesman Prayut Phetcharakhun detailed that the court formally accepted the case at precisely 8:56 AM, thereby recognizing Thaksin as a defendant. Last month’s end saw the Office of the Attorney-General publicly state its intention to indict Thaksin, who had been out on parole. Although the initial date for the indictment was set earlier, it had to be postponed to Tuesday, June 18, due to Thaksin’s reported bout with Covid-19.
At 74, Thaksin stands accused of bringing disrepute to the monarchy during an interview with the South Korean newspaper Chosun Ilbo on May 21, 2015. In that controversial interview, he alleged that privy councillors had supported the 2014 coup, which unseated his sister Yingluck Shinawatra’s government. This claim struck a chord, triggering the original complaint lodged by Gen Udomdej Sitabutr, who, at the time, served as the deputy defense minister in Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha’s military government.
Gen Udomdej directed the Judge Advocate General’s Department to initiate legal proceedings against Thaksin, resulting in the Office of the Attorney-General filing a lawsuit. The Criminal Court agreed to proceed with the trial back in 2015 and issued an arrest warrant for Thaksin, who had since remained abroad, only making his return to Thailand in August of the previous year.
Police have asserted that Thaksin’s statements during the interview constituted a breach of Section 112 of the Criminal Code—commonly known as the lese-majeste law—as well as the Computer Crimes Act. Earlier, the spokesman for the Office of the Attorney-General revealed that Attorney-General Amnat Chetcharoenrak had opted to indict Thaksin on all proposed charges as recommended by the police. The computer crime accusation involves Thaksin inputting data into a computer system in a way that posed a perceived threat to national security.
Despite the serious allegations, Thaksin maintains his innocence. If the Criminal Court were to deny him bail following this indictment, he could potentially face pre-trial detention. Under the lese-majeste law, each royal insult is punishable by up to 15 years in prison, outlining a grim potential path ahead for the former Prime Minister.
I can’t believe Thaksin got bail for something as serious as lese-majeste. The law is there for a reason, and bending it like this sets a dangerous precedent.
Maybe it’s because they know the charges are politically motivated. Thaksin has always been a target of the military and the elites.
While the charges could be motivated by politics, lese-majeste is still a very real offense in Thailand. It’s not something to be taken lightly.
Justice is supposed to be blind, but in cases like this, it’s more like selectively blind. If it were any other person, they’d be behind bars already.
Honestly, the lese-majeste law itself needs to be reformed. It’s used too often to silence political dissent and criticism.
Totally agree! It’s an archaic law that has no place in a modern democracy.
But reforming it could destabilize the country. The monarchy is an integral part of Thai identity.
If we don’t reform these laws, we’ll never progress as a society. Freedom of speech is essential.
That’s exactly my point. How can Thailand advance if we keep punishing people for speaking their mind?
Freedom of speech is important, but so is maintaining respect for national institutions that have stood the test of time.
Thaksin has always been a polarizing figure. Whether you love him or hate him, you can’t deny his impact on Thai politics.
Does anyone else feel like this whole case is a distraction from bigger issues? What about the economic crises we are facing?
That’s a good point. The timing of these charges always seems a bit too convenient.
Yes, the country has bigger fish to fry. But we also can’t ignore accusations of undermining the monarchy.
I find it hypocritical that people who are loud about justice are quiet when it comes to accusations against Thaksin. Is he above the law?
He should face the music like any other citizen. Bail or no bail, these are serious charges we’re talking about.
Agreed, but make sure the music he’s facing isn’t just a political tune sung by his enemies.
Absolutely, a fair trial is a must. But he shouldn’t get special treatment either.
I’m an outsider looking in, but the lese-majeste law seems like it severely limits free speech. What’s the general public opinion on it in Thailand?
It’s a mix. Some people see it as essential for respect, others see it as oppressive. Depends on who you ask.
Public opinion is divided for sure. Many younger people are calling for reform, while the older generation tends to support it.
Do the courts really have any power here, or are they just doing the military’s bidding?
Good question. There have been too many instances of judicial decisions aligning suspiciously with the military’s interests.
Regardless of how you feel about Thaksin, a fair and transparent trial is the only way to resolve these charges.
Fair trial in Thailand? That’s a joke. The system is rigged from top to bottom.
That kind of cynicism won’t help us move forward. We need to work towards reform rather than just criticize.
Easier said than done, Meena. Corruption is deeply rooted in the system.
I agree with Meena, change doesn’t come from cynicism. It comes from actionable steps for reform.