Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has been found not guilty of defamation of the royal family, which could have landed him in prison for 15 years.
The smiling 76-year-old politician was the first to announce the outcome of the trial to journalists as he left the courthouse, succinctly stating: “Freedom.”
His lawyer, Vinyat Chatmontri, confirmed in a statement that all charges had been dropped, as did the Bangkok Criminal Court.
The article on “crimes against majesty” provides for punishment from three to 15 years in prison. This law, considered one of the harshest in the world, is actively used by the Thai authorities to suppress opposition voices.
The human rights organization Thai Lawyers for Human Rights noted that since 2020, more than 270 people, mostly student activists, have been charged under this article.
The court communication stated that the evidence and testimony presented were deemed insufficient for a guilty verdict.
Shinawatra was charged in 2016 over statements he made in South Korea the previous year. The investigation was stalled because he was abroad, making it impossible to complete the formalities.
The court ruled that the prosecution's case contained fragmentary information without context, and that a key episode had no direct connection to the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
The decision also noted that prosecution witnesses who had previously participated in anti-government protests against the politician could have been biased in interpreting his words.
The former prime minister's political opponents, who traditionally support the monarchy, accused him of corruption schemes, abuse of power and disregard for royal authority. Shinawatra himself insists that all the accusations are politically motivated.
After the latest charge was brought, the politician was allowed to remain free on bail with a ban on leaving the country. His passport was confiscated.
Despite numerous trials since his resignation, Shinawatra has avoided prison. He was abroad during the 2006 military coup. A brief visit in 2008 led to another flight to avoid possible imprisonment.
He returned to his homeland in 2023 after the Phu Thai Party, linked to his family, came to power. Although he was sentenced to eight years for abuse, he was immediately hospitalized and pardoned six months later.
His stay in a medical facility instead of a cell has drawn criticism, with the public suspecting that he was being given illegal privileges. The Supreme Court will hear another case next month that could send him back to prison.
After his return, the former prime minister remained publicly active: he travels around the country, making statements that provoke discontent among conservative circles responsible for his removal in 2006.
His daughter, Pathongtarn Shinawatra, who took over the government last year, is also on trial. She is accused of ethical violations in discussing a border dispute with Cambodia during a conversation with Senator Hun Sen. The Constitutional Court suspended her on July 1; a decision on whether to strip her of her premiership will be made next week.
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
