US EditionThai court clears ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra in royal insult case, lawyer says
The court ruled insufficient evidence to convict Thaksin under Thailand's lese-majeste law, where over 280 prosecutions occurred in five years, reflecting ongoing political tensions.
- On August 22, 2025, a Bangkok court cleared Thaksin Shinawatra, Thailand’s former prime minister, of charges related to alleged royal defamation due to a lack of sufficient evidence.
- The case originated from a 2015 interview Thaksin gave while in exile and was initiated by the royalist military forces responsible for removing him from power in the 2006 coup.
- Thaksin, aged 76, appeared at court smiling, wore a yellow necktie symbolizing monarchy, denied wrongdoing, and told reporters the case was "dismissed".
- He faced up to 15 years in prison under lese-majeste laws, but upon arrival, he was given an eight-year term on graft and misuse of power charges, which the king later reduced to one year before he was released early in February 2024.
- The verdict eased legal pressure on Thaksin, who remains politically active though without government role, while a separate court will soon rule on his daughter's political future.
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97 Articles
A court in Thailand acquitted former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra of the charge of majesty insult.
·Germany
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While the suspended Prime Minister is waiting for her sentence, the father has just been acquitted of the charge of majesty.
Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has been acquitted of lèse majesté. But the problems for his political dynasty are far from over.
·Netherlands
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For the former Prime Minister, the acquittal is a success. However, the next trial against him is about to take place.
·Zürich, Switzerland
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Thaksin Shinawatra is not guilty of lèse majesté, a Thai judge has ruled, but he must return to court early next month.
·Netherlands
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources97
Leaning Left32Leaning Right12Center23Last UpdatedBias Distribution48% Left
Bias Distribution
- 48% of the sources lean Left
48% Left
L 48%
C 34%
R 18%
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