Bangkok: Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra arrived at the Criminal Court on Ratchadaphisek Road to attend the second session of the plaintiff's witness testimonies in a lese majeste case. The case, filed by the Office of the Attorney General 8, accuses Thaksin of insulting the monarchy under Section 112 of the Criminal Code and offenses related to the Computer Act.
According to Thai News Agency, the charges stem from a 2015 interview Thaksin gave to a foreign TV station in South Korea, during which he allegedly insulted the monarchy. Thaksin has denied the charges and was granted bail. Arriving at the court at approximately 9:26 a.m., Thaksin is set to listen to the testimony from four plaintiff witnesses over the course of the day.
Thaksin's lawyer, Mr. Winyat Chatmontri, stated that although he could not disclose the identities of the witnesses, the defendant's witnesses are scheduled to begin their testimonies next week. When questioned about discussions with Thaksin following the first witness examination, Mr. Winyat confirmed that their conversations were strictly related to legal assessments and did not involve political discussions.
Former Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat was also present at the court to offer moral support to Thaksin. Somchai noted that Thaksin was informed about the Constitutional Court's decision to suspend Prime Minister Paethongtarn Shinawatra from duties prior to entering the courtroom and appeared composed. He expressed that Thaksin believed the Prime Minister had performed her duties well and that the court's verdict should be respected.