KATHMANDU: Thailand's attorney-general has announced plans to indict former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra for alleged insults against the monarchy, a significant development for the influential political figure and his supporters. The charges, originating from a 2015 interview Thaksin gave to foreign media, were filed by the royalist military that ousted his sister, Yingluck Shinawatra's government.
According to spokesperson Prayuth Bejraguna, the attorney general's decision entails indicting Thaksin on all charges, including breaches of the country's lese-majeste law and a computer crime law. Thaksin's legal representative, Winyat Chartmontri, stated that his client could not attend the hearing due to a COVID-19 infection. Thaksin, 74, has previously affirmed his allegiance to the monarchy, emphasizing that criticism of the institution is prohibited under Thailand's strict lese-majeste laws.
Having recently returned from a 15-year self-imposed exile, Thaksin's legal troubles add to the ongoing political turbulence in Thailand. Despite being convicted of abuse of power and conflicts of interest, he has remained a central figure in Thai politics, with his family's parties winning multiple elections. His indictment would mark one of the highest-profile cases under the lese-majeste law, which carries severe penalties for perceived insults to the royal family.
Thaksin's resurgence and his party's prominence in the current government have heightened tensions with conservative elements in the establishment. Speculation abounds regarding potential deals between Thaksin and his adversaries, although his allies deny such arrangements. As Thaksin professes retirement from politics, analysts predict he may continue to exert influence behind the scenes, setting the stage for further confrontation with establishment forces.
