Thailand’s attorney general is contemplating the possibility of prosecuting former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra for an alleged insult against the monarchy, according to an official statement on Tuesday. This development comes just weeks before Thaksin’s potential release on parole. The complaint stems from a 2015 interview Thaksin gave while in South Korea, and it was filed by the junta that governed Thailand after overthrowing a government led by Thaksin’s sister. Despite repeatedly expressing loyalty to the monarchy, Thaksin may face serious consequences as insulting the crown is considered a major offense in Thailand. The country’s constitution mandates that the king be held in a position of “revered worship,” and the lese-majeste law is renowned for its strictness, with each perceived offense carrying a maximum punishment of 15 years in prison. Thaksin, who served as prime minister from 2001 to 2006, recently returned to Thailand after spending 15 years in self-imposed exile. However, he has been detained at a hospital due to an undisclosed health issue and has yet to spend a full night in prison. Thaksin, who is eligible for parole later this month, denies any wrongdoing and has provided authorities with a letter requesting fairness. The decision regarding whether to press charges against the influential billionaire, who is 74 years old, remains uncertain. If released, Thaksin would be held by police, and he may be temporarily freed while the attorney general considers the possibility of pressing charges. Thaksin’s lawyer has not responded to requests for comment at this time. It is worth noting that Thailand’s current government is supported by the Shinawatra family, and Thaksin’s return coincided with the appointment of ally Srettha Thavisin, a real estate mogul, as prime minister. Thaksin’s allies have denied any political deal between the former leader and his powerful adversaries. This announcement of a potential new case against Thaksin follows the recent court-forced abandonment of Move Forward’s plan to amend the lese-majeste law. Move Forward, the largest party in parliament, has faced subsequent complaints seeking its dissolution and lifetime bans for numerous lawmakers due to its stance on the law protecting the monarchy.
Thailand’s attorney general is considering prosecuting former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra over an alleged insult of the monarchy. Thaksin, who is currently serving a jail sentence for abuse of power, made headlines last year when he returned from self-imposed exile. The potential case against him comes amid ongoing political tensions in Thailand, with the lese-majeste law protecting the crown being a major issue. If released on parole, Thaksin could be temporarily detained while the attorney general decides whether to press charges.
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