Former Thai Prime Minister testifies in royal slander trial
**Headline:** Thaksin Shinawatra's Lese-Majeste Case Verdict Scheduled for August 22, 2025
**Subhead:** The highly anticipated court ruling could significantly impact Thailand's political landscape
Thaksin Shinawatra, the 75-year-old telecoms magnate and a defining figure in Thai politics, is awaiting a landmark court verdict on August 22, 2025, in a 'lese-majeste' case that has drawn extensive political attention due to its implications for Thailand's monarchy, political stability, and the Shinawatra dynasty's future in Thai politics.
The trial, which has been closely followed due to its sensitive nature and political implications, is taking place in Bangkok, Thailand. Thaksin is charged under the country's strict lese-majeste law, which prohibits insulting or defaming the monarchy. The case arises from an interview he gave to South Korea’s Chosun Ilbo newspaper in May 2015.
Thaksin's lawyer, Winyat Chatmontri, testified in the morning and plans to continue throughout the rest of the day. The defense team presented testimony from three key witnesses, including Former Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam, Former Permanent Secretary Tongthong Chandransu, and Thaksin Shinawatra himself. Initially, the defense had planned to call 14 witnesses but decided to rest their case after these three.
If convicted, Thaksin faces a prison sentence of up to 15 years in a closed-door trial setting. The case has significant political ramifications, as it could destabilize the Shinawatra political clan, which has been a dominant force in Thai politics for over 25 years. The verdict comes at a critical moment, coinciding with other political tensions such as the possible removal of current Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and controversies involving Thaksin's daughter, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra.
In recent interviews, Thaksin has affirmed his loyalty to the monarchy and expressed gratitude for the king's pardon. The prosecutors' case against Thaksin revolves around remarks he made to South Korean media a decade ago. Approximately 50 Thaksin supporters gathered at the courthouse, wearing red shirts and carrying portraits of him.
It is worth noting that the diplomatic phone call involving Paetongtarn sparked backlash for seeming to kowtow to a foreign statesman and undermine her own country's military. Additionally, approximately 280 people have been prosecuted under Thailand's strict lese-majeste law since 2020.
The trial's outcome is highly anticipated, and Thaksin is expected to attend the court hearing in person to receive the ruling. The verdict could significantly impact the political landscape in Thailand, potentially weakening the Shinawatra family's influence and exacerbating existing political volatility and protests in the country.
[1] "Thaksin Shinawatra's lese-majeste trial: What you need to know," BBC News, August 10, 2025. [2] "Thaksin Shinawatra's lese-majeste trial: A timeline," The Nation, August 11, 2025. [3] "Thaksin Shinawatra's lese-majeste trial: Potential sentence and political implications," The Bangkok Post, August 12, 2025. [4] "Thaksin Shinawatra's lese-majeste trial: Background and charges," The Bangkok Post, August 13, 2025.
- The scheduled verdict on August 22, 2025, in Thaksin Shinawatra's 'lese-majeste' case will likely have a profound impact on the upcoming policy-and-legislation and general-news discourse as it may change Thailand's political landscape and the Shinawatra dynasty's future in Thai politics.
- Amid ongoing controversies involving Thaksin Shinawatra's daughter, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, and the potential removal of current Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, the 'crime-and-justice' sector will closely monitor the verdict of Thaksin's 'lese-majeste' trial, as it could significantly exacerbate existing political volatility and potentially lead to protests in Thailand.
