Former Thai PM Thaksin Acquitted in Royal Defamation Case

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3 days ago

Above: Thaksin Shinawatra (C) leaves the Criminal Court in Bangkok on Aug. 22, 2025. Image copyright: Manam Vatsyayana/AFP/Getty Images

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The Spin

Narrative A

This rare acquittal on lese majeste charges indicates that the Thai establishment — the king and the military — have realized that an alliance with Thaksin and his Pheu Thai party is key to preventing parliamentary efforts to scrutinize or reform the army and palace. This decision is politically motivated rather than based on legal merit.

Council on Foreign Relations

Narrative B

Thaksin has been acquitted because the court found insufficient evidence against him in this case. This has nothing to do with the government or political calculations, and suggesting so is an attempt to violate the court's authority.

Nation Thailand