Bangkok prosecutors announced on Monday that further investigation is required to determine whether to prosecute former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra for defaming the monarchy. This came shortly after his release from a hospital, where he had been serving time for corruption-related offenses. Thaksin’s release on parole on Sunday marked the end of a six-month sentence. This was part of a return to Thailand after self-imposed exile since 2008, and his subsequent sentence of eight years.
After serving time in prison, Thaksin was moved to a Bangkok hospital due to his ill health, and King Maha Vajiralongkorn later reduced his sentence to one year. Recently, he was granted parole due to his age and health. On Sunday, police briefly detained Thaksin as he left the hospital but released him temporarily. The attorney general’s office had announced it was reviving an investigation into defaming the monarch, an offense carrying a potential prison term of up to 15 years.
Thaksin reported to the attorney general’s office on Monday for the charge of lese majeste and was granted release on bail. The bail amount is set at 500,000 baht ($13,900), and the conditions include travel restrictions and monthly reporting. The investigation into his defense statement has led to an order for further investigation.
Thaksin became prime minister in 2001 and was reelected in 2005 but was ousted by a military coup in 2006 due to accusations of corruption and disrespect for the monarchy. His return to Thailand last year coincided with the Pheu Thai party winning a parliamentary vote to form a new government. His critics have questioned whether his move from prison to the hospital reflected special treatment as part of a political deal.
Thaksin’s release signals a reconciliation with his enemies and reflects the shifting political landscape in Thailand. The Move Forward party’s progressive proposals for reform alarmed the conservative establishment, leading to Pheu Thai, which had softened its anti-military stance, forming the current government.