Thaksin Shinawatra Charged with Royal Insult in Thailand

The former prime minister faces legal challenges under the country's strict lese-majeste laws, amid speculation of political maneuvering.

Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra faces charges of insulting the monarchy, a serious offense under Thailand's strict lese-majeste laws.
The charges relate to comments made in a 2015 interview while Thaksin was in South Korea, just weeks before his potential parole release.
Thaksin, who returned from self-exile last August to serve a jail sentence, has repeatedly pledged loyalty to the monarchy.
Speculation of a backroom deal has arisen following Thaksin's return and the coinciding return of his Pheu Thai Party to power.
The controversy comes amid a broader crackdown on dissent and efforts to amend the lese-majeste law, with at least 260 people prosecuted in recent years.