Former PM Thaksin faces court over 2015 lese majeste allegations

Thaksin Shinawatra, the former Prime Minister of Thailand, made a dramatic return to the Criminal Court today, facing charges in a high-stakes lese majeste case linked to a controversial 2015 interview in Seoul. Arriving at 8.53am, today, August 19, in a yellow shirt and black jacket, the 75 year old Thaksin appeared unfazed as he briefly addressed the press.

“I’m not worried. This case was cooked up right after the coup to tighten their grip on power.”

The hearing zeroed in on witness and evidence lists related to Thaksin’s comments to the South Korean newspaper Chosun Ilbo on May 21, 2015. During the interview, the former Thai PM claimed that privy councillors backed the 2014 coup that ousted his sister, Yingluck Shinawatra, from office. The online publication of these remarks has led to charges of lese majeste under Section 112 and computer crime.

After his arraignment in June, Thaksin was granted bail at 500,000 baht and ordered not to leave Thailand without the court’s permission.

Last month, the ex-prime minister sought permission to travel to Dubai for medical treatment, but the court denied the request, stating that equivalent medical care was available in Thailand. The Chiang Mai-born politician had intended to consult with Dubai doctors who had previously treated him for chronic lung inflammation, respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses, and a herniated disk.

Thaksin also mentioned the need to meet key individuals for personal business in Dubai, assuring that he would return to Thailand before his court appearance on August 19.

The court, however, concluded that Thaksin’s medical conditions could be adequately managed by doctors in Thailand and dismissed his need for an overseas trip. The court also viewed his meetings in Dubai as non-essential and noted the proximity of the requested travel dates to his upcoming court appearance, determining it unnecessary to grant his travel request, reported Bangkok Post.