Thaksin Shinawatra, who was the prime minister of Thailand before he was ousted himself, was charged with defaming the monarchy and was formally indicted just several hours before his release on bail – naturally, the case stirred a lot of controversy and unsettled Thailand’s already fragile political situation. The former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin still holds much influence even though he left power 18 years ago and on Tuesday, he surrendered to the prosecutors and was later charged; this was confirmed by Prayuth Bejraguna, a spokesman for the Office of the Attorney General in a press conference.
A car that some expected to be carrying Thaksin reached the Criminal Court in Bangkok, but Thaksin did not step out to address the pressmen. Thakinsin’s lawyer, Winyat Chatmontree, added that his client was willing to be involved in the legal proceedings. Later, at around a few hours, the same vehicle left the court after Thakin was released on bail; he never got out of the car in a bid to avoid the press.
The Criminal Court later stated that Thaksin was allowed on bail at 500,000 baht on condition that he stay in Thailand except for further permission from the court. Several key factors cumulatively led the court to the condition that bail was a possible option for Thaksin, namely age and permanent residence in Thailand, with no objections from the prosecutor. They were revoked as part of the bailing condition; his passport was taken away from him.
Lese majeste, or insulting the monarchy, is another law that draws a penalty of 3-15 years imprisonment, with Thailand ranking among countries with some of the strictest anti-monarchy laws. This law has been rampantly applied in Thailand with the aim of silencing dissent within the government.
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