Former Thai PM Thaksin Shinawatra to Be Indicted for Defaming Monarchy
Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra will be indicted for defaming the monarchy, Thai prosecutors announced Wednesday, three months after his release on parole for other charges.
The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) spokesperson, Prayuth Bejraguna, said Thaksin's indictment was postponed as he provided proof of a COVID-19 infection, which prevented his scheduled appointment. The new date for his indictment is set for June 18. Alongside defamation, Thaksin will also face charges for violating the Computer Crime Act.
Thaksin had been living in self-imposed exile since 2008 but returned to Thailand in August last year to serve an eight-year sentence. Shortly after his return, he was moved from prison to a hospital due to ill health. Subsequently, King Maha Vajiralongkorn reduced his sentence to one year. Thaksin was granted parole earlier this year, citing his age—he is 74—and health concerns.
Upon Thaksin's return, the OAG revived a nearly decade-old investigation into allegations that Thaksin defamed the monarch, a charge that carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison. Originally charged in 2016 for comments made in Seoul, South Korea, the investigation could only proceed once Thaksin was presented with the charges in person at the hospital in January. Thaksin has denied the allegations and provided a defense statement.
Prosecutors believe they have sufficient evidence to proceed with the indictment, and Prayuth confirmed that they have prepared the necessary documents for the court next month.
