The Bangkok court has acquitted Thailand’s former prime minister, Thaksin Shinawatra, of royal defamation charges that could have resulted in a 15-year prison sentence.
Judges ruled in favor of Thaksin, thereby reducing the legal risks to his family’s political influence.
What were the charges against Thaksin?
Thaksin was accused by prosecutors of violating Thailand’s lese majeste law, which penalizes criticism of King Maha Vajiralongkorn and his family.
Thaksin’s daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who leads the Pheu Thai party and served as prime minister, was also involved.
Thailand: How high is the risk of a coup?
However, the Shinawatras’ political popularity has decreased, with declining public support shown in recent opinion polls.
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