Post by : Rameen Ariff

Photo : AFP

A Bangkok court has acquitted Thailand’s former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra of insulting the monarchy, in a case that had drawn wide attention both inside and outside the country.

The charge was linked to an interview Thaksin gave to a South Korean newspaper almost ten years ago. If he had been found guilty, he could have faced up to 15 years in jail.

The ruling on Friday brought a wave of relief to Thaksin, his family, and his political supporters.

Background of the Case

Thailand’s lese-majeste law makes it a crime to insult or defame the king, queen, heir to the throne, or regent. The punishment is very strict, with sentences that can run for many years.

Critics say the law has been used too broadly, often targeting activists and political opponents rather than protecting the monarchy itself. Some people have even faced charges for minor actions, like making comments about a king from the 16th century or posting banners near portraits of the current king.

The case against Thaksin was first brought in 2016, during the rule of the military government, while he was living in exile. The case was revived last year when Thaksin returned to Thailand after 15 years abroad.

Why the Court Acquitted Him

The interview that started this case was given after the 2014 military coup, which removed his sister Yingluck Shinawatra from power. Thaksin had suggested that “some people in the palace” and members of the privy council were involved in that coup.

While the privy council advises the king, it is not covered directly under the lese-majeste law. The judges said that because Thaksin had not named any specific members of the royal family, his comments did not break the law.

This clear reading of the law was different from many other recent cases, where the courts had allowed very broad interpretations.

Thaksin’s Reaction

After the verdict, Thaksin’s lawyer, Winyat Charmontree, told reporters that his client smiled and thanked his legal team. Thaksin also said he was ready to work for the country’s benefit.

The decision marks a rare legal victory for the billionaire businessman, who has faced many political and legal battles since he was first removed from office in 2006.

Political Impact on the Shinawatra Family

The acquittal comes at a time when the Shinawatra family is already under heavy pressure. Thaksin’s daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, is currently suspended from her position as prime minister while the Constitutional Court decides whether she should be removed from office.

Paetongtarn, who became Thailand’s youngest prime minister last year, has been accused of mishandling a border conflict with Cambodia. A leaked phone call between her and Cambodian leader Hun Sen created controversy after she referred to him as “uncle” and criticized her own army commander.

The court is expected to make a ruling on her case next week. Losing another prime minister so soon could leave Thailand politically unstable.

The Bigger Picture

The Shinawatra family has been a major force in Thai politics for more than two decades. Even when not in office, Thaksin is believed to remain the main decision-maker for his party, Pheu Thai.

When Thaksin returned from exile in 2023, many believed there had been an agreement between him and conservative groups to allow his return if he kept a low profile. However, Thaksin has always been known as a bold and ambitious leader, making it difficult for him to stay out of the spotlight.

The family’s continued power, combined with ongoing legal cases, has led to accusations of “dual leadership”—where Thaksin pulls the strings while his daughter holds the official title.

What Comes Next

Although Thaksin has been acquitted in this case, he still faces another court hearing next month over how he was transferred from prison to a hospital while serving a previous sentence.

Some analysts believe his party may be forced to call early elections, especially if Paetongtarn is removed from office. With falling public support and growing frustration over economic challenges, this could be risky for Pheu Thai.

For now, Thaksin’s acquittal removes one legal danger, but his family’s political future remains uncertain.

Thaksin Shinawatra’s acquittal highlights the complicated link between law and politics in Thailand. The lese-majeste law, seen by many as a tool for silencing critics, continues to draw global attention. While this ruling shows the court’s willingness to apply the law more narrowly, the Shinawatra family still faces challenges that could change the future of Thai politics.

For Thailand, the key question is not just whether Thaksin or Paetongtarn will survive these cases, but whether the country can find stability in the middle of constant political battles.