A Thai court has acquitted former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra on charges of mishandling funds for a government project in 2013. Yingluck, who is currently living in exile, is the sister of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. This ruling marks the latest legal victory for the influential Shinawatra family.
The court's decision comes shortly after Thaksin, Yingluck's brother, was released on parole for corruption-related offenses. Thaksin had returned to Thailand last year after over a decade of self-imposed exile and was granted clemency due to his age and health condition.
Yingluck, who served as prime minister from 2011 until 2014, was also cleared of abuse of power charges in a separate case last year. However, for her to return to Thailand without facing imprisonment, she would require a pardon from King Maha Vajiralongkorn or another form of clemency.
The court unanimously acquitted Yingluck and five other defendants accused of mishandling 240 million baht ($6.7 million) allocated for a government project. This acquittal is seen as a resurgence of the Shinawatra family's influence in Thai politics.
Thaksin's supporters view the legal actions against him and his family as attempts to dismantle his political influence. Thaksin, who was ousted from power in 2006 following a military coup, continues to face legal challenges, including a charge of royal defamation.
The political landscape in Thailand has been shaped by the ongoing power struggle between Thaksin's populist movement and the conservative royalist ruling class. The recent developments, including Yingluck's acquittal, suggest a potential reconciliation between the establishment and the Shinawatras in response to the growing influence of other political parties.
Despite the legal battles and political tensions, the Shinawatra family remains a significant force in Thai politics, with Thaksin's daughter emerging as a key figure in the Pheu Thai party. The shifting dynamics in Thai politics reflect a complex interplay between traditional elites and emerging political forces.
