Royal Insult Case Dismissed for Former Thai Premier
A Thai court has dismissed a royal insult case against former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, marking a significant legal victory for the influential political figure. The case was based on the lese-majeste law, criticized for silencing dissent, and comes amidst ongoing political challenges for Thaksin's family dynasty.
A court in Thailand has shelved a royal insult case against Thaksin Shinawatra, the country's former premier. The influential political figure confirmed the dismissal while leaving the courthouse, his smile suggesting victory. Although the criminal court in Bangkok has yet to officially announce the ruling, Thaksin's lawyers conveyed the court's decision without disclosing the dismissal's reasoning.
The royalist military had accused Thaksin of defying Thailand's stringent lese-majeste law during a 2015 interview, a charge he denied. Known for its strictures, the law has reportedly been misused by conservatives to suppress dissent. Thaksin, who returned to Thailand in 2023 after years of self-exile, continues to wield significant influence over the nation's politics, notably through the Pheu Thai party led by his daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra.
The dismissal coincides with an upcoming verdict on Paetongtarn, who faces potential dismissal for ethical violations related to a diplomatic incident. Meanwhile, Thaksin awaits another legal test regarding his detention period's status in a corruption case. Although he refrains from holding an official role, his enduring political clout remains evident amid political strife and fluctuating popularity of the ruling party.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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