Former Thai Prime Minister Charged with Defaming Monarchy Amid Political Resurgence

Thaksin Shinawatra, former Prime Minister of Thailand, faces charges of defaming the monarchy, a crime carrying a prison term of three to 15 years. The indictment comes amidst his political comeback and signals potential moves to limit his influence.

Former Thai Prime Minister Indicted for Defaming Monarchy

Bangkok (October 2023) – Thaksin Shinawatra, Thailand's former Prime Minister, was formally charged on October 17, 2023, with defaming the Thai monarchy, a charge known as lese majeste which carries a prison sentence of three to 15 years.

Thaksin, an influential political figure despite being ousted in a 2006 coup, reported to prosecutors early Tuesday morning. The indictment follows remarks he made in South Korea in 2015. After fleeing Thailand in 2008 to avoid charges he claims were politically motivated, Thaksin returned to the country last year, was convicted of corruption, and subsequently released on parole in February due to health issues.

Thaksin’s re-indictment coincides with his political resurgence, as his affiliated Pheu Thai party recently formed a government in collaboration with former political rivals. Analysts speculate this prosecution signals potential warnings from powerful establishment figures aiming to curb Thaksin's political influence.

The Thai judiciary and Election Commission are currently addressing various political cases, including a probe into Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin's appointment of a Cabinet member with a criminal past. The Move Forward party also faces possible dissolution for its stance on lese majeste law reforms.

Concurrent with Thaksin’s case, Thailand's political landscape remains fraught, with complexities arising from historical and ongoing divergences within the country's power structure.