A Thai court has granted former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra permission to leave the country, allowing him to travel for a brief period despite facing charges of lese-majeste. This significant ruling comes as Thaksin prepares for a trial set to begin in July, following comments made to a South Korean media outlet nearly nine years ago.
Thaksin, a billionaire who served as Thailand's Prime Minister from 2001 until he was ousted in a 2006 coup, has been embroiled in legal troubles since returning to the country two years ago. He was jailed for eight years on graft and abuse of power but received a royal pardon just six months later. His return to Thailand ended a 15-year period of exile, during which he remained active in politics despite claiming he would not engage in political affairs.
The court's decision, issued on January 31, allows Thaksin to leave Thailand from July 2 to July 3. The statement from the court noted, "The court has considered and allowed the defendant to leave the kingdom between Jul 2 to Jul 3, which does not affect the trial." This flexibility is noteworthy, given the strict lese-majeste laws in Thailand, where criticism of King Maha Vajiralongkorn or his immediate family can lead to severe penalties, including imprisonment for up to 15 years.
Thaksin is expected to face trial for his alleged remarks while navigating the complexities of Thailand’s judiciary system. Under Thai law, defendants involved in ongoing trials must remain within the country unless granted special permission by a court. The former Prime Minister's upcoming trial is emblematic of the country's stringent laws regarding royal criticism, which have drawn international scrutiny.
In December, he was appointed as an advisor by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), reinforcing his ongoing influence in regional politics. Despite his previous statements distancing himself from political activities, Thaksin continues to actively support his former party, Pheu Thai.
As the political landscape in Thailand evolves, Thaksin's situation remains closely monitored. He is required to report to authorities within three days of his return to Thailand after his brief leave. The implications of his trial and ongoing political involvement are likely to resonate throughout the nation as it grapples with its complex relationship with its royal family and governance.
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