Thai prosecutors announced on Wednesday that former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra will face indictment for defaming the monarchy. This comes three months after his release on parole for other charges. Thaksin's original indictment appointment was postponed due to his reported COVID-19 diagnosis, with a new appointment set for June 18. In addition to the lese majeste charge, Thaksin will also be indicted for violating the Computer Crime Act.
The lese majeste law, which carries a penalty of three to 15 years in prison, has been a subject of controversy due to its perceived harshness and alleged political use to silence government critics. Thaksin, ousted by a military coup in 2006, faced accusations of disrespecting the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej. His return to Thailand in 2021 to serve a corruption-related sentence reignited political tensions between his supporters and opponents.
