Thaksin Shinawatra Cleared of Lese Majeste Charges

Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has been acquitted of charges of royal defamation by a Bangkok court. Despite the harsh laws on lese majeste, punishable by up to 15 years in prison, the court has yet to release an official statement confirming the verdict.

In a significant legal verdict, former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra was acquitted of royal defamation charges by a court on Friday. The allegation involved the controversial lese majeste law, known for its severe penalties ranging from three to 15 years in prison.

Thaksin's legal representative confirmed the court's decision, though an official statement from the Bangkok Criminal Court remains pending. The lese majeste law, which penalizes defamation against Thailand's monarchy, has been increasingly utilized to suppress government dissent.

Globally recognized as one of the strictest of its kind, the law's application has drawn international attention, highlighting ongoing tensions between the ruling government and its critics.

(With inputs from agencies.)