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Snapshot 3:Tue, Jun 18, 2024 8:45:46 PM GMT last edited by MattKalman

Thailand: Former PM Indicted on Royal Defamation Charges

Thailand: Former PM Indicted on Royal Defamation Charges

Above: Former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra Image copyright: Lauren DeCicca/Stringer/Getty Images News via Getty Images

The Facts

  • Following his indictment on lese majeste charges, or defaming the royal family, on Tuesday, former Thai Prime Minister (PM) Thaksin Shinawatra was granted 500K baht ($13.6K) bail by the Criminal Court of Thailand.

  • Thaksin is charged with defaming the monarchy during an interview he gave to a South Korean newspaper nine years ago, during which he accused the King's advisory council of helping conduct a coup the year before.Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra on Tuesday was granted 500K baht ($13.6K) bail by the Criminal Court of Thailand following his indictment on lese majeste charges.


The Spin

Thaksin ismust abe corruptheld businessman-turned-politicianaccountable who,for despitehis corruption. Despite his indictments and previous parole status, he decided to act as a de facto diplomat by meeting with foreign governments. Instead of allowing the MFP to take charge and make real change, Thaksin's Pheu Thai Party is also proposing economic policies that would benefit his corporate friends over working-class people.

Thaksin's wealth doesn't mean he's an elitist. UponConsider enteringhow politics he garnered a voter base of working-class Thais, particularlyand farmers,how whomhis he provided lower healthcare costs. As Thaksin's anti-monarchy platform inspired regular people to speak out. themselves,If however, the military establishment crackeddidn't crack down on him and his supporters through coups and lawfare, he wouldn't be facing these charges.


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