Thaksin Shinawatra Attends Court Hearing in Bangkok

Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra appeared in court on August 19, 2024, to face charges of lese majesté stemming from a 2015 interview with South Korean media. Clad in a yellow shirt, a symbol of loyalty to the monarchy, Thaksin expressed confidence in his legal battle despite the serious nature of the charges, which could result in significant prison time. He has been granted temporary release on bail set at 500,000 baht but is prohibited from leaving the country without court approval. The court proceedings will involve witness testimonies from both the prosecution and defense, scheduled to begin in July next year. Thaksin's appearance coincides with his daughter assuming the role of prime minister, further intensifying public interest in his case. The court has implemented security measures, including restricted media access during the proceedings.