BANGKOK — Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is confronting two major legal blows as his daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, was removed from the premiership by the Constitutional Court. Thaksin remains in prison serving a one-year sentence—reduced by royal pardon—over an abuse-of-power conviction.
Attorney General Itthiporn Kaewthip on November 17 ordered prosecutors to appeal Thaksin’s acquittal in a high-profile royal defamation case, contradicting the Office of the Attorney General’s Section 112 review committee, which voted 8–2 in September not to appeal.
The Criminal Court on August 22, 2025, dismissed charges that Thaksin violated Section 112 of the Criminal Code during a 2015 interview in Seoul, ruling he had not referred to the monarchy.
Family Visits Highlight Emotional Toll
Shortly after the appeal decision, Thaksin’s children visited him in prison. His middle daughter, Pinthongta Shinawatra Kunakornwong, appeared visibly emotional while speaking to reporters.
“After visiting my father, he looked very sad and hurt,” she said. “If we still haven’t received justice, we must keep fighting. But right now we’re more concerned about his emotional state. He’s in there alone.”
Asked whether the renewed legal battle had deeply affected the family, she was unable to respond, holding back tears until her brother, Panthongtae, stepped in: “It’s quite disheartening, but we thank everyone for supporting our family.”
Defense Lawyer Questions Prosecutorial Process
Thaksin’s attorney, Winyat Chartmontree, said the family’s visits and public support have encouraged the former prime minister, who is aware of gatherings by his red-shirt supporters outside the prison.
“But these incidents cause him pain regarding various processes involving state power,” Winyat said. “He has been victimized repeatedly. He is grieving.”
Winyat also raised concerns over the Attorney General’s decision to override the review committee.
“The initial prosecutors found no grounds for appeal, and the lower court dismissed the case. There were no words referring to the monarchy,” he said. “The reversal raises questions about the internal process.”
Prosecutors must file the appeal by November 21. If they proceed, the defense will submit a counter-appeal, and the Court of Appeal is expected to take several months to rule. Winyat said the case could ultimately reach the Supreme Court.
He declined to comment directly on speculation that the renewed Section 112 case could be used to delay or block Thaksin’s possible early release due to age and health, but urged the public to consider “whether there is interference” in the justice system.
“I’ve seen many ‘legal miracles’ before,” he said. “If they happen again, I’m not surprised—just saddened that Thaksin still hasn’t received justice.”
Supreme Court Orders Collection of $542M Tax Bill
In a separate setback, the Supreme Court on Monday reinstated a tax assessment ordering the Revenue Department to collect 17.6 billion baht ($542 million) from Thaksin over the 2006 sale of Shin Corporation shares.
The Court of Appeal for Specialized Cases had previously voided the assessment in 2023, citing procedural flaws. Thaksin had won in both lower courts before the Revenue Department appealed to the Supreme Court.
Enforcement proceedings are now required, with an enforcement warrant likely within one to two months.
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