Bangkok [Thailand], June 18: Reuters on June 18, citing information from the Thai Prosecutor General's Office, announced that former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra was prosecuted for allegedly insulting the Thai royal family.
It is expected that Mr. Thaksin will apply for bail in the criminal case stemming from a media interview in 2015.
The complaint issued by the military accused Mr. Thaksin of using lese-majeste words during an interview with Korean media. At that time, Mr. Thaksin announced that Thai privy councilors had supported the 2014 coup to overthrow the government of his sister, Ms. Yingluck Shinawatra.
Spokesman Prayuth Bejraguna of the Thai Prosecutor General's Office previously said that Mr. Thaksin would be prosecuted and appear in court on June 18.
At the interrogation on May 29, Mr. Thaksin's lawyer said his client could not come because he was infected with Covid-19. The lawyer affirmed that Mr. Thaksin is ready to fight all charges and prove that he is innocent.
He is considered the most prominent figure in the 270 lese majeste prosecution cases in recent years. People convicted can spend up to 15 years in prison for each act of insulting the royal family.
Mr. Thaksin was elected prime minister twice from 2001 to 2006, before being overthrown in a mutiny in 2006. In August 2023, he returned home after 15 years in exile and was sentenced to 8 years in prison for corruption. corruption and abuse of power.
This billionaire was released on February 18 under an amnesty order, after 6 months of detention. During those 6 months, he was treated at the hospital.
Source: Thanh Nien Newspaper