A court in Thailand has dismissed a high-profile case against former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, accused of violating the country’s strict laws on insults to Thai royalty. The billionaire and his lawyer said the evidence presented was insufficient to justify the charges.
Thaksin, 76, left the court with a smile after hearing the verdict, which was confirmed by the Bangkok-based criminal court later in the day. Outside the courthouse, Thaksin’s supporters erupted in cheers, wearing red shirts to show their solidarity.
The dismissal is seen as a relief for Thaksin, but his family’s political dynasty remains under threat. His daughter and Thailand’s current Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, faces her own legal reckoning next week over allegations of ethics violations.
Thaksin also faces another key test in September, when the Supreme Court will decide whether his six-month hospital detention prior to release on parole in 2024 should count as time served in jail. If the case goes against him, he could be made to serve more prison time.
Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/8/22/court-clears-thailands-ex-pm-thaksin-shinawatra-over-royal-insult-case