10-4-2024 (BANGKOK) Bangkok’s legal authorities have decided to postpone a hearing with the influential former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra regarding a potential indictment over a royal insult complaint, according to his lawyer. The development was revealed on Wednesday (Apr 10) by Winyat Chartmontri, Thaksin’s legal representative.
“The attorney-general is still investigating the case,” Chartmontri told Reuters, adding that prosecutors would advise of the next hearing date later in the day.
Thaksin Shinawatra, a political heavyweight who wielded significant influence during his tenure as prime minister, was released from detention in February after returning to Thailand in 2023 following 15 years of self-imposed exile. Since his return, he has repeatedly pledged his loyalty to the Thai monarchy, insults to which are punishable by imprisonment under Thai law.
The complaint in question was lodged by the royalist military and stems from an interview the former tycoon gave to foreign media outlets in 2015.
