Thailand’s courts are gearing up for a busy period ahead as judges have scheduled hearings for several high-profile political cases that could potentially shake up the country’s political landscape once again.
Yesterday, Thai courts handled four cases involving top political leaders, each with significant political implications. One of the cases involved former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who was granted bail after being charged with royal defamation for comments he made in a media interview in 2015. This charge falls under Thailand’s lese-majeste law, which carries harsh penalties. Thaksin is expected to appear in court on August 19.
Another case heard by the Constitutional Court related to the Senate election process, which some claimed breached the constitution. The Court ruled that the election could proceed, easing concerns about potential political instability.
The remaining cases involve Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and the Move Forward Party, both of which could have significant implications for the country’s political future.
The case against Thaksin and Srettha seems to be part of an effort to uphold the political balance in Thailand, following Thaksin’s return to politics after years in self-exile. Similarly, the case against the Move Forward Party reflects attempts to maintain the establishment’s influence amidst rising popularity for the party.
The upcoming hearings are expected to bring more clarity to these political cases and potentially shape Thailand’s political direction in the coming months.