Former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, 76, left the Criminal Court in Bangkok today, smiling and telling reporters that the court had dismissed the lese majeste charges against him.

Thaksin's lawyer, Winyat Chatmontree, said the court ruled that the evidence presented was insufficient for a conviction. The Criminal Court in Bangkok later confirmed this, stating there wasn't enough evidence to prove Thaksin's wrongdoing.

Former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra leaves the court in Bangkok on 22/8. Photo: AFP

Former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra leaves the court in Bangkok on 22/8. Photo: AFP

In 5/2024, the Thai Ministry of Justice indicted Thaksin on charges of insulting the monarchy based on an interview he gave to the Chosun Ilbo newspaper in Seoul, South Korea, in 2015. In the interview, Thaksin suggested that members of the Privy Council, a body of advisors to the King of Thailand, supported the coup that ousted his sister, Yingluck Shinawatra, in 5/2014.

The trial began in July. The defense team presented testimony from several witnesses, including Thaksin, former deputy prime minister Wissanu Krea-ngam, and former permanent secretary to the prime minister's office Tongthong Chandrans. Winyat argued at the time that the evidence presented by the prosecution was inadequate, consisting largely of witness opinions.

Thaksin has repeatedly stated his willingness to face the charges and maintained his innocence.

Article 112 of the Thai criminal code, also known as the lese majeste law, stipulates that anyone who "defames, insults, or threatens the King, the Queen, the Heir-apparent, or the Regent" faces 3 to 15 years in prison.

Thaksin served as prime minister of Thailand from 2001 but was ousted in a military coup in 2006. He returned to Thailand in 8/2023 after over a decade in exile.

Huyen Le (AFP, Reuters)