Thaksin postpones lese majeste hearing, citing Covid infection

Former Thailand Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra postponed his court hearing on allegedly violating Section 112 of the Criminal Law, also known as the lese majeste law, scheduled for today, citing a Covid-19 infection. The Attorney General’s Office (AGO) rescheduled the hearing for June 18.

The 74 year old former politician was accused of violating Section 112 during an interview with South Korean reporters in Seoul on May 21, 2015. Additionally, Thaksin was accused of importing information into a computer system that could defame, insult, or show malice towards the Thai royal family.

The former PM denied all allegations and requested a further investigation into the case. The AGO investigated the accusations further and agreed to indict Thaksin. The court appointed the next hearing for today, May 29.

Thaksin urged his lawyer to submit a request to postpone the hearing yesterday, May 28, claiming he was suffering from Covid. The document also included medical confirmation of the infection from the hospital.

AGO Chief Prosecutor Wiphut Boonprasart revealed in a press conference at 9am today that Thaksin requested the AGO to postpone the hearing until June 25 but the AGO decided to reschedule it to June 18 because the doctor suggested Thaksin rest for observation until June 3 only.

Thaksin’s lawyer, Winyan Chartmontri, revealed in an interview with BangkokBiz News today that Thaksin is ready to go through the justice proceedings and prove his innocence and his intentions when talking about the royal family of Thailand in the interview.

Winyan emphasised that Thaksin is now suffering from Covid and might have been exposed to it when he met many residents in the Isaan province of Nakhon Ratchasima on May 25.

Winyan insisted that the illness was unexpected. He added that Thaksin had a fever of 38 degrees Celsius and a sore throat yesterday. Winyan said he talked with Thaksin via phone and found the former PM had a hoarse voice.

Winyan stated that he could not confirm whether Thaksin would be able to appear on June 18 or not. If he does, the first thing he will do is submit a bail request.