PUBLISHED: 19 Aug 2024 at 10:56
Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra appeared at the Criminal Court in Bangkok on Monday morning to review witness and evidence lists related to a lese majeste case stemming from a 2015 interview he conducted in Seoul, expressing no concerns regarding the proceedings.
Thaksin entered the court at 8:53 AM, dressed in a yellow shirt and black jacket, and briefly addressed reporters prior to the hearing.
“I have no worries. The case arose shortly after the coup and represents an abuse of the law to maintain power,” he stated.
The court session focused on the evidence and witness lists connected to comments made during Thaksin’s interview with a South Korean outlet on May 21, 2015, where he alleged that privy councillors backed the 2014 coup that removed his sister, Yingluck Shinawatra, from office. He faces additional charges related to computer crimes under Section 112 of the Criminal Code.
After being arraigned in June, Thaksin was granted bail of 500,000 baht with conditions prohibiting him from leaving Thailand without court consent.
Recently, he sought approval to travel to Dubai for medical treatment; however, the request was denied by the court, which determined that appropriate care was available in Thailand.
Thaksin indicated his desire to consult with doctors in Dubai regarding chronic lung inflammation, along with other health issues, and emphasized the importance of upcoming meetings for personal business in Dubai, assuring his return to Thailand ahead of the trial on August 19.
The court ruled that his medical conditions were common and could be addressed by local healthcare providers, deeming the overseas trip unnecessary and suggesting he could utilize healthcare resources available in Thailand.
