Thaksin Shinawatra made a notable appearance at the Criminal Court in Bangkok on Monday morning. (Photo: Wassayos Ngamkham)
The court hearing of lese majeste charges brought against the former prime minister, Thaksin Shinawatra, was adjourned until July next year following the examination of witness and evidence lists. According to Thaksin’s lawyer, Winyat Chartmontree, the Criminal Court plans to hear from witnesses over seven sessions in July. Winyat expects the court to deliver its ruling next year.
Thaksin has expressed his readiness to attend all the hearings to demonstrate that he had no intention of insulting the royal institution. “I am prepared to prove my innocence,” he stated after Monday’s private session.
Thaksin’s defense team includes a Thai-speaking Korean interpreter and a prominent lawyer. The translation of Thaksin’s interview into Thai was found incomplete, and a single problematic English word appears to have led to the allegations. “It’s all circumstantial,” Winyat emphasized.
On the morning of the court appearance, Thaksin, clad in a yellow shirt paired with a black jacket, arrived at 8:53 AM. He managed a brief exchange with reporters before entering the courtroom. “I have no worries. The case emerged after the coup, with the law used to solidify their grip on power,” he reassured.
The controversy stems from a 2015 interview with South Korean newspaper Chosun Ilbo. During the interview, Thaksin claimed that privy councillors backed the 2014 coup that ousted the government led by his younger sister, Yingluck Shinawatra. After the interview was posted online, he faced additional charges under the Computer Crime Act, along with the lese majeste charges under Section 112 of the Criminal Code.
In June, he was arraigned and later released on bail of 500,000 baht, with strict instructions not to leave the country without the court’s explicit permission. Last month, his bid to leave for Dubai for medical treatment was denied. The court reasoned that equivalent medical care was available in Thailand.
Thaksin expressed his need to consult Dubai-based doctors who have treated him for chronic lung inflammation, respiratory and cardiovascular issues, and a herniated disk. Scheduled for August 2 and 8, these consultations were cited as crucial. He also mentioned the need for personal meetings in Dubai, pledging to return by August 19.
However, the court was steadfast in its decision, stating that Thaksin’s medical conditions could be treated in Thailand. They dismissed the necessity of his personal matters in Dubai, ruling against his overseas trip. With his next court date fast approaching on August 19, the court deemed his request inappropriate and denied him exit rights.
Adding to the family’s dynamic presence in the political arena, Thaksin’s youngest daughter, 37-year-old Paetongtarn, was recently elected prime minister by the House of Representatives. She was formally sworn in during a ceremony where she stood before a portrait of His Majesty the King.
I don’t understand why Thaksin is even being tried for something so trivial. It’s clearly a political witch hunt.
It’s not trivial when you insult the royal family. He should know better.
Insult or not, using the lese majeste law to silence political opponents is a bigger issue.
Exactly, Ariya. These laws are way too draconian and suppress free speech. Somchai, do you really want to live in a country where you can be jailed for a minor comment?
Funny how he suddenly needs medical treatment abroad every time he faces charges. Classic politician move.
You’re too cynical. Thaksin has chronic health issues that require specialized care. It’s not like he’s using this as an excuse.
True, but it does seem convenient every single time. Maybe part of it is legitimate, but part of it is also to escape the court.
Exactly, Bart. If he really cared about facing justice, he’d face the trials and take treatments here.
I believe Thaksin was set up from the beginning. The charges are exaggerated to keep him out of power.
Many politicians around the world face similar persecution. It’s not unique to Thailand.
True, Robert. But the scale of it here is just ridiculous. It’s like the entire system is geared to remove him from politics.
It’s fascinating how the political gamesmanship is played in Thailand. Thaksin keeps managing to stay relevant despite everything against him.
Lese majeste laws are ridiculous, period. Nobody should go to jail for speaking their mind.
Yes, but in a country with a monarchy, you need some laws to protect the royal family. It’s about respect.
Then why only in Thailand do we see it abused so often? It’s a tool for political gain, not respect.
The fact that Paetongtarn is now prime minister might change the political landscape quite a bit.
Yes, but with her father’s influence, it might just be more of the same.
Perhaps, but she has a chance to bring fresh perspectives too. It’s early to judge.
Thaksin’s family is clearly a political dynasty in the making. Are we going to let one family rule forever?
The courts need to be more impartial. Thaksin is just one among many who shouldn’t be treated unfairly.
Impartiality is supposed to be a hallmark of justice, but it’s often compromised in high-profile cases.
That’s exactly the problem, Aom. We need to reform the judiciary for true justice.
I can’t believe people still support Thaksin after everything. He’s corrupt to the core.
People support him because they feel he actually did something for the common people. Corrupt or not, they saw progress.
Progress fueled by corruption isn’t sustainable. It’s short-sighted to think otherwise.
It’s incredible to see how resilient Thaksin is. No matter what happens, he keeps coming back.
There are way more pressing issues in Thailand than going after a former prime minister. Focus on the future, not the past.
But Luk, if you ignore corruption in the past, it can set a dangerous precedent for future governance.
I get that, Sofia. But we need a balanced approach. Constantly dragging up past cases doesn’t help progress.
The entire Shinawatra saga is like a political soap opera that never ends.
True, Veer. It’s exhausting but also oddly captivating. You can’t help but follow the story.
I met Thaksin once. He was surprisingly down-to-earth and approachable. This whole trial seems like a bad joke.
It’s unfortunate that political opponents in Thailand often face legal backlash just for being on the other side.
Thaksin’s legal troubles are never-ending. How does he even keep track of all his cases?