Thai Ex-PM Thaksin Acquitted of Royal Insult Charges

Khabor Wala Desk

Published: 22nd August 2025, 9:36 AM

Thai Ex-PM Thaksin Acquitted of Royal Insult Charges

Thailand’s former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra was acquitted on Friday of charges of insulting the monarchy, providing temporary relief for his embattled political dynasty, which has shaped Thai politics for more than two decades.

The 76-year-old ex-premier had faced the possibility of up to 15 years in prison under the country’s strict lese-majeste laws, which criminalise criticism of King Maha Vajiralongkorn and members of the royal family.

“The court dismissed the charges against Thaksin, ruling that the evidence presented was insufficient,”
— Winyat Chatmontree, Thaksin’s lawyer

Leaving the courthouse before his lawyer, Thaksin smiled briefly and told reporters the case was “dismissed”, offering no further comment.

However, his political dynasty remains under pressure. His daughter, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, faces a crucial court ruling next week that could see her removed from office.

The charges were linked to remarks Thaksin gave to South Korean media nearly a decade ago, in which he referred to the 2014 military coup that ousted his sister, former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra.

Due to Thailand’s rigid lese-majeste legislation, the specific content of Thaksin’s comments cannot be reported, as repeating them could itself risk prosecution.

Thailand’s modern political landscape has been dominated by a tug-of-war between Thaksin and his supporters, and the conservative pro-royalist, pro-military elite who regard him as a threat to the traditional social hierarchy.

Year	Event
Early 2000s	Twice elected as prime minister
2006	Ousted in a military coup, fled abroad
2008–2023	Lived in self-imposed exile (15 years)
August 2023	Returned to Bangkok the same day his Pheu Thai party formed a coalition government
August 2023	Sentenced to 8 years in prison for corruption and abuse of power (from his premiership era)
August 2023	Transferred to a private hospital ward instead of jail, citing health issues
Late August 2023	King reduced his sentence to 1 year
February 2024	Released under an early release scheme for elderly prisoners
September 2025	Ongoing legal case challenging the legitimacy of his release, verdict expected 9 September

Prosecutions under Section 112 (lese-majeste) of the Thai criminal code have risen sharply since anti-government protests in 2020, some of which openly criticised the monarchy.

Thai Lawyers for Human Rights reports that:

Over 280 individuals have faced prosecution under Section 112 in the past five years.
The law allows for up to 15 years’ imprisonment for anyone who “defames, insults or threatens” the monarch, queen, heir or regent.
Critics argue the legislation is so broadly interpreted that it suppresses dissent and prevents meaningful debate.