19-8-2024 (BANGKOK) Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra made a defiant appearance at the Criminal Court in Bangkok on Monday morning, as proceedings began in a lese majeste case stemming from a controversial interview he gave in Seoul nearly a decade ago. Dressed in a yellow shirt and black jacket, Thaksin arrived at the court at 8:53 am, projecting an air of confidence despite the gravity of the charges he faces.
“I have no worries,” Thaksin told reporters before entering the courthouse. “The case occurred shortly after the coup and involved the use of law to consolidate power.” His comments alluded to the political context surrounding the charges, which date back to the aftermath of the 2014 military coup that ousted the government led by his sister, Yingluck Shinawatra.
The court hearing on Monday focused on the examination of evidence and witness lists related to an interview Thaksin gave to the South Korean newspaper Chosun Ilbo on 21 May 2015. During this interview, Thaksin allegedly claimed that privy councillors had supported the 2014 coup, a statement that led to charges of lese majeste under Section 112 of the Thai Criminal Code. Additionally, due to the online publication of the interview, Thaksin faces computer crime charges.
Following his arraignment in June, Thaksin was released on bail of 500,000 baht (approximately £11,000) and prohibited from leaving Thailand without court permission. His recent request to travel to Dubai for medical treatment was denied by the court, which ruled that equivalent care was available within Thailand.
Thaksin had sought to consult doctors in Dubai who had previously treated him for chronic lung inflammation, respiratory and cardiovascular issues, and a herniated disk. He also cited the need to meet important individuals for personal business matters in Dubai, promising to return to Thailand before his court date on 19 August.
However, the court remained unpersuaded, stating that Thaksin’s medical conditions were not uncommon and could be adequately treated by Thai doctors. The judges also dismissed his personal appointments in Dubai as insufficient grounds for international travel, particularly given the proximity to his scheduled court appearance.
This case marks another chapter in the complex political saga surrounding Thaksin Shinawatra, who remains a polarising figure in Thai politics. As the proceedings unfold, they are likely to attract significant attention both domestically and internationally, potentially reigniting debates about the use of lese majeste laws and their impact on political discourse in Thailand.
