A Bangkok court has acquitted former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra in a royal insult case linked to a decade-old interview with a South Korean newspaper.
Thaksin, accused of implying palace involvement in the 2014 coup, faced up to 15 years in prison under Thailand’s strict lese majeste law. Critics argue the law is often misused to silence activists and political opponents.
The case, first filed in 2016 during Thaksin’s exile and revived last year upon his return, was considered weak. Judges ruled his remarks did not directly target the king, queen, heir, or regent, as required by law.
Thaksin’s lawyer said the former leader smiled after the verdict, expressing gratitude and vowing to serve Thailand’s interests.
The decision comes as his daughter, suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn, awaits a Constitutional Court ruling that could unseat her. Both cases have been viewed as potential threats to the Shinawatra family, a long-dominant force in Thai politics.
The verdict offers temporary relief for the clan and highlights ongoing debates over the broad application of lese majeste laws, which have seen prosecutions ranging from criticism of government spending to comments about royal pets.
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