Former Thai PM Thaksin Shinawatra Acquitted of Royal Defamation Charges
Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra was acquitted of royal defamation charges by a Thai court, which stemmed from remarks made in South Korea, due to insufficient evidence.
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Overview
- Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra was recently acquitted of royal defamation charges by a court in Thailand, a significant legal development for the prominent political figure.
- The charges, which carry a severe penalty of three to 15 years in prison, originated from remarks Thaksin made to journalists in South Korea approximately a year prior.
- The Bangkok criminal court cleared Shinawatra due to a lack of sufficient evidence, citing weak witnesses and an incomplete prosecution account of the interview.
- This acquittal comes as Thaksin Shinawatra continues to maintain a high public profile, making appearances and political observations across the country.
- Despite this acquittal, Thaksin still faces an eight-year prison term for corruption and abuse of power, though he was transferred to a hospital on medical grounds.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources cover the story neutrally, focusing on factual reporting and providing comprehensive context. They detail the court's decision, the legal background of the lese majeste law, and the broader political implications without adopting a biased stance, allowing readers to form their own conclusions based on presented facts.
"Thaksin, smiling as he walked away from the courtroom, was the first to reveal the verdict, responding to journalists' questions with the single word: "Dismissal.""
NPR"Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra said he was acquitted of royal defamation by a court Friday."
ABC News"Thaksin Shinawatra says he has been acquitted of royal defamation and has walked free."
ABC News"Thaksin Shinawatra was acquitted of a royal defamation charge by a court on Friday, in a case that could have sent him to prison for up to 15 years."
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FAQ
Thaksin Shinawatra was charged over remarks he made in a 2015 interview with South Korea's Chosun Ilbo newspaper, where he alleged that the Privy Council supported the 2014 military coup that ousted his sister's government.
The lese majeste law in Thailand criminalizes defamation of the monarchy and carries penalties ranging from three to 15 years in prison, making it one of the harshest such laws globally.
Besides the royal defamation charges from which he was acquitted, Thaksin Shinawatra faces an eight-year prison term for corruption and abuse of power, though he has been transferred to a hospital on medical grounds.
Since returning to Thailand, Thaksin has maintained a high public profile with public appearances and political observations that challenge the country's conservative establishment, which was behind his 2006 ouster.
The acquittal relieves one legal threat to the Shinawatra political dynasty, but challenges remain, including the suspension and upcoming court decision against his daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, which could affect her role as prime minister.
History
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