### Thai Court Acquits Former PM Thaksin Shinawatra of Lese Majeste Charges

#### The acquittal comes as Thaksin's political legacy faces scrutiny amid ongoing challenges for his daughter and party.

 

A Bangkok court has acquitted former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, a prominent figure in Thai politics, of charges related to lesa majeste, which forbids insults against the monarchy. The accusations stemmed from an interview he conducted with a South Korean newspaper a decade ago. Had he been convicted, he could have faced up to 15 years in prison, underscoring the serious implications of Thailand's lese majeste law, which some criticize for being used to suppress political dissent.

Thaksin, in his 2013 interview, posited that the military coup of 2014, which ousted his sister Yingluck's government, was orchestrated by undisclosed palace figures. The court's interpretation of the law did not classify his comments as a personal attack on any monarch, leading to his acquittal. This outcome has been a moment of relief for Thaksin and his supporters amidst rising tensions surrounding his family's political influence.

The charges had initially been filed during a military government in 2016 while he was in exile and later revived upon his return to Thailand. Alongside these developments, Thaksin's daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, is navigating a Constitutional Court case that could remove her from her role as prime minister. These parallel situations pose significant challenges to the enduring legacy of the Shinawatra family, who have long been a pivotal force in Thai politics.

Despite being acquitted, Thaksin's political maneuverings remain scrutinized. His reemergence followed a supposed agreement with conservative counterparts, aiming to solidify his party's coalition despite a diminished electoral footprint. His daughter has also faced criticism regarding her management of national issues, particularly a contentious border dispute with Cambodia.

Looking ahead, Thaksin is scheduled to appear in court next month concerning his medical transfer, which could further affect his political standing. The landscape remains precarious for the Shinawatra family's political aspirations, especially amid the complexities introduced by both his court case and his daughter's potential dismissal. The future of their political dynasty hangs in the balance as Thailand grapples with evolving dynamics and political uncertainty.