6-2-2024 (BANGKOK) Thailand’s attorney general is currently considering the possibility of prosecuting former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra for an alleged insult against the country’s revered monarchy. The complaint, which dates back to a 2015 interview Thaksin gave while in South Korea, was filed by the military junta that took control of Thailand following the overthrow of a government led by Thaksin’s sister. It is worth noting that Thaksin has consistently shown loyalty to the monarchy.
In Thailand, insulting the crown is considered a grave offense and a severe insult. The country’s constitution mandates that the king is to be held in a position of “revered worship.” The lese-majeste law, known for its strictness, stipulates that each perceived offense can carry a punishment of up to 15 years in prison.
Thaksin, an influential figure who served as prime minister from 2001 to 2006, made a dramatic return to Thailand in August last year after spending 15 years in self-imposed exile. He returned to serve an eight-year jail sentence for abuse of power, which was later commuted to one year by the king.
Currently, Thaksin is being detained at a hospital due to an undisclosed health issue and has yet to spend a full night in prison. He is eligible for parole later this month.
Prayut Petchkhun, spokesperson for the attorney general’s office, informed reporters that the delay of seven years in acting on the royal insults complaint was due to Thaksin’s absence from the country. However, he did not provide a specific timeframe for when a decision would be reached. Prayut mentioned that Thaksin, 74, has denied any wrongdoing and has submitted a letter requesting fairness to the authorities. The spokesperson did not provide further details regarding the allegation against Thaksin.
If Thaksin is released on parole, he would be detained by the police. Prayut added that he could be released temporarily while the attorney general considers whether to press charges.
Thaksin’s lawyer has not yet responded to requests for comment on the matter.
It is worth noting that the current Thai government is supported by the Shinawatra family, and Thaksin’s return to Thailand coincided with the appointment of his ally and real estate mogul, Srettha Thavisin, as prime minister on the same day.
Thaksin’s supporters have dismissed speculation of a backroom political deal between the former leader and his influential adversaries.
The announcement of a potential new case against Thaksin comes just a week after Move Forward, the largest party in parliament, was compelled by a court to abandon its controversial plan to amend the lese-majeste law.
Shortly after, Move Forward faced a series of complaints seeking its dissolution and lifetime bans for dozens of lawmakers due to their stance on the law protecting the monarchy.
