Thaksin Shinawatra attended a momentous ceremony dedicating the royal appointment of his daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, as the new prime minister. The event took place at the Pheu Thai Party’s headquarters in Bangkok on a sunny Sunday, with buzz and excitement palpable in the air. (Photo: Varuth Hirunyatheb)
In a twist of fate, Thaksin is scheduled to appear at the Criminal Court on Monday for his highly-anticipated lese majeste case. According to a reliable source, additional law enforcement agents will be stationed at the court to maintain order amid the expected media frenzy. The usual security measures will be in place, but reinforcements from the Metropolitan Police Division 2, along with extra court staff, will ensure that everything runs smoothly during this high-profile event.
However, there’s bad news for the press—they won’t be allowed to attend Thaksin’s court hearing. This decision is sure to stir some frustration among journalists, eager to cover every moment of this significant trial.
Monday’s court session will serve as Thaksin’s first hearing, where the evidence will be examined and the witness lists read out. It follows his arraignment on June 18 on combined charges of lese majeste and computer crimes. These charges arise from statements he made during an interview with South Korean newspaper Chosun Ilbo on May 21, 2015, while he was in South Korea.
Thaksin was granted bail with a bond set at 500,000 baht under strict conditions that prevent him from leaving the country without court permission. On July 27, Thaksin sought permission from the court for a trip to Dubai from August 1-16, citing the need for medical treatment and personal business affairs.
However, the court dismissed his request on July 30, asserting that Thaksin’s health issues were common and could be adequately treated by doctors in Thailand. Furthermore, the court deemed his planned meetings in Dubai to be personal and not urgent enough to warrant overseas travel. They highlighted that the proximity of his requested trip to August 19 influenced their decision to not allow him to leave the country. It remains uncertain whether Thaksin has pursued any medical treatment since the court’s decision.
The courtroom is set to become a theater of high drama, as all eyes focus on Thaksin Shinawatra’s legal journey. Will justice prevail? Only time will tell.
Isn’t it ironic that Thaksin’s daughter becomes prime minister at the same time he’s facing such serious charges? Feels like a bad joke.
It’s almost as if the universe has a twisted sense of humor. Dynasties like these make democracy look pretty fragile.
True, but let’s not ignore that he’s being charged for things he said abroad years ago. This feels more like political maneuvering than justice.
You might be right, Jane. But still, if he did something that was actually criminal, it needs to be addressed no matter how much time has passed.
This is just another example of how money and power can corrupt politics. Do you think any of this would happen if he wasn’t one of the richest men in Thailand?
Exactly. The guy flees and then tries to act like he’s not a criminal. We can’t let money buy justice, right?
Linda, but from another perspective, isn’t barring the press from his hearing just asking for more controversy? Transparency is crucial.
Thaksin’s request to go to Dubai for health reasons was just an excuse if you ask me. He knows the walls are closing in.
Legally, he should have access to proper medical care wherever necessary. But considering his position, it does seem fishy.
Sophia, it’s not like there aren’t hospitals in Thailand. Many people think he just wants to escape.
David, exactly. If his health issues are so common, keeping him here seems perfectly reasonable.
The guy should rot in jail for what he’s done. Corruption, lese majeste – this man’s a disgrace.
This entire situation seems like a calculated distraction. People should focus on the country’s real issues instead of this soap opera.
Couldn’t agree more, Ella. The media feasting on this while ignoring economic issues is a real problem.
But isn’t corruption tied to those very issues? Ignoring it doesn’t solve anything, Grower134.
Barring the press from attending the hearing screams injustice. How can we trust the process?
Mark, the court might have its reasons. High profile cases like these often need extra measures.
Julia, I get security concerns but this just seems like they’re trying to hide something.
Why wasn’t Thaksin banned from politics in the first place? Then his daughter wouldn’t have this easy route to power.
This case could set a precedent. If Thaksin is found guilty, could it spell the end of his political dynasty?
Dynasties like these have a way of bouncing back. Guilty or not, his family is deeply entrenched in Thai politics.
How long can a country continue with such deep-seated political issues? It’s disheartening.
It’s not just Thailand, Yuri. Political issues are a global challenge. It’s how they are resolved that makes the difference.
I can’t believe people are still trying to defend Thaksin. Open your eyes!
It’s surprising how charges of lese majeste are still heavily used. Are we not in the 21st century?
Completely agree, Ahmed. Using such archaic laws only serves to stifle freedom of speech.
But these laws exist for a reason. Respecting the monarchy is a cornerstone of Thai society.
Devan, respecting the monarchy is one thing, but silencing dissent is another. Where do you draw the line?
The fact he was granted bail speaks volumes. How many ordinary people would get such leniency?
I’m more interested in how this will affect Thailand’s international relationships. Will other countries view this as just or oppressive?
Good point, Kim. It’s a delicate balance. Too much interference, and it might look like they’re playing favorites.