Thaksin's Article 112 trial verdict set for August 22nd by the Criminal Court
In a highly anticipated and politically charged trial, the lese majeste case against former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra concluded recently, with the defence resting their case after presenting testimony from three key witnesses. The verdict is scheduled for August 22, 2025, a date that carries significant political significance as it marks two years since Thaksin's return from a 17-year self-imposed exile.
The trial, which has been underway at Bangkok’s Criminal Court, has been closely followed by the public and political circles alike. Thaksin, a major political figure in Thailand, returned to the country in 2023, an event that resulted in the rise of a Pheu Thai-led government.
The defence team, led by Thaksin's lawyer Winyat, presented testimonies from three key witnesses: former Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam, former Permanent Secretary Tongthong Chandransu, and Thaksin himself. These witnesses testified to Thaksin’s loyalty to the monarchy during his premiership and brought legal and linguistic expertise to support the defence.
Thaksin appeared in good spirits following the final defence witness testimony, expressing confidence about receiving justice from the court. His lawyer, Winyat, stated that the defence tried to challenge the evidence presented by the prosecution, arguing that it was biased and came from witnesses opposed to Thaksin.
The charges against Thaksin stem from an interview he gave to the South Korean media outlet Chosun Ilbo in May 2015, in which he allegedly mentioned privy councillors and the 2014 military coup that ousted the government of his sister, Yingluck Shinawatra. This led to lese majeste charges against him for allegedly violating Thailand’s strict laws protecting the monarchy.
Winyat plans to submit the written closing statement to the court within 15 days. Thaksin's lawyer confirmed that Thaksin will attend the court on August 22 at 10 am to hear the verdict. If found guilty, Thaksin is likely to appeal, potentially taking the case up to the Appellate Court and Supreme Court.
The trial's conclusion comes amid ongoing related legal and political developments, including scrutiny of officials allegedly involved in treating Thaksin as a "critically ill" patient, which could lead to misconduct charges. Thaksin has not been imprisoned since his return, although incarceration remains a possibility should he be convicted.
These proceedings represent a pivotal moment in Thailand’s political and judicial landscape, with potential broad implications depending on the court’s ruling. The outcome of the case is likely to have significant impacts on Thailand's political future and the ongoing divisions within the country.
- The lese majeste trial against Thaksin Shinawatra, a case that has garnered much public and political attention, is set to provide an opinion on the former Prime Minister's actions and loyalty to the monarchy.
- The conclusion of the trial, which has delved into aspects of politics, general news, and crime-and-justice, will undeniably shape Thailand's cultural landscape and the ongoing political divisions within the country.
- As Thailand awaits the verdict on August 22, 2025, the implications of this trial, particularly in the realm of tourism, may be influenced by the political and legal outcomes, adding to the complexities and uncertainties of Thailand's future.
