Thailand prosecutes former Prime Minister Thaksin for insulting the royal family

Thailand's justice minister will prosecute former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra for allegedly insulting the monarchy, an official said on May 29.

The complaint, brought by the royal army, stems from an interview the former prime minister gave to foreign media in 2015.

Other charges against him include violating cybercrime laws.

“The justice minister has decided to prosecute Mr Thaksin on all charges,” spokesman Prayuth Bejraguna said, adding that the former prime minister will appear in court on June 18.

Thái Lan truy tố cựu Thủ tướng Thaksin vì xúc phạm hoàng gia. — Thailand prosecutes former Prime Minister Thaksin for insulting the royal family.

Mr Thaksin, 74, denies any wrongdoing and has repeatedly pledged his loyalty to the monarchy. Criticism of the monarchy is banned under Thailand's lese majeste laws, some of the strictest in the world.

Thaksin’s case would be the most high-profile of more than 270 prosecutions in recent years under the law, which carries a maximum prison sentence of 15 years for insulting the monarchy in Thailand.

Mr Thaksin’s lawyer Winyat Chartmontri said they had prepared a comprehensive defence for him and the former prime minister would seek bail. He also questioned the authenticity of the video interview in which the insult was allegedly made.

In addition, the lawyer said that Mr. Thaksin did not appear at the hearing on May 29 because he was infected with COVID-19. “In a criminal case, we have to proceed based on our rights. Mr. Thaksin Shinawatra is ready to prove his innocence before the judicial system,” the lawyer said.

Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin, founder of the Pheu Thai party, has won most elections since 2001. Three governments led by Shinawatra family members have been toppled by coups or court rulings.

The billionaire made a remarkable comeback to Thailand in 2023 after 15 years of self-imposed exile, during which he remained a central figure throughout Thailand's repeated political upheavals.

He was convicted of abuse of power and conflict of interest and sentenced to eight years in prison, but was released on parole in February 2024 after just six months in custody.

His return and relatively short detention, spent entirely in hospital, have fueled speculation that he has struck a deal with his opponents, but his allies have denied any such deal.

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