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7h ago

Thaksin Shinawatra Testifies in Closed-Door Royal Defamation Trial

His potential 15-year sentence under lese-majeste law marks a deepening setback for the Shinawatra dynasty.

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Around 50 Thaksin supporters were gathered at the courthouse wearing shirts the red colour of his political movement and emblazoned with a portrait of his face

Overview

  • Thaksin Shinawatra took the stand in a closed-door Bangkok court session on July 16 to defend himself against royal defamation charges under lese-majeste statutes.
  • Prosecutors allege his decade-old remarks to South Korean media breached laws that protect the monarchy, exposing him to a maximum 15-year prison term.
  • His testimony is expected to continue over several days, with a verdict anticipated weeks after the trial concludes.
  • Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra remains suspended by the Constitutional Court pending an ethics investigation into her leaked diplomatic call with Cambodian officials.
  • The Pheu Thai-led coalition now governs with a caretaker premier and a razor-thin parliamentary majority following the withdrawal of key conservative allies.