Thailand’s former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has been charged with defaming the monarchy, marking one in a series of legal challenges that have caused significant disruption in Thai politics. Despite his influential position within the ruling party, Pheu Thai, Thaksin has faced numerous court cases and was previously removed from power through a coup almost two decades ago. The 74-year-old former Prime Minister was indicted on Tuesday, was granted bail, and is preparing to engage with the legal process according to his lawyer, Winyat Chatmontree.
Thaksin voluntarily returned to Thailand from self-imposed exile last year and served most of his corruption-related sentence in a hospital before being released on parole in February. Since his release, he has maintained a high-profile presence and made political observations that may unsettle those who contributed to his previous ouster in 2006. The lese majeste charge, which carries a sentence of three to 15 years in prison, is widely viewed as a warning to Thaksin to reconsider his political activities.
In addition to Thaksin’s ongoing legal battles, the Move Forward party, which holds the majority of votes, is facing dissolution after being accused of attempting to undermine the constitutional monarchy. Furthermore, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, also a member of Pheu Thai, is currently under investigation for appointing a Cabinet member with a history of bribery charges, which could potentially lead to his removal from office.
These events shed light on the significant legal entanglements within Thai politics, and the imbalance of power between elected and unelected forces. The situation also emphasizes the challenges Pheu Thai faces when attempting to form alliances with former adversaries. Napon Jatusripitak, a political science researcher, highlighted that “Thai democracy is once again being held captive by forces that are unaccountable to public interests.”
In conclusion, the recent legal proceedings and political controversies involving Thaksin and the Pheu Thai party underscore the complex and tumultuous landscape of Thai politics.
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