Former Thai leader Shinawatra to face charges of defaming monarchy
Thailand's former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is to be charged with defaming the monarchy, the attorney general's office said, three months after the ex-leader was released on bail over other charges.
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Shinawatra has, however, requested a postponement of the indictment hearing, presenting evidence that he has contracted COVID-19, Attorney-General Prayuth Bejraguna’s office spokesman said at a press conference.
The new hearing has been set for 18 June, Prayuth added, noting that Shinawatra will also be charged with violating the Computer Crime Act.
Shinawatra has been in self-imposed exile since 2008, but returned to Thailand in August to serve an eight-year sentence.
In February, he was released on parole from a Bangkok hospital, where he had spent six months serving time for corruption convictions.
Upon his return to the country, the former leader was almost immediately transferred from prison to the hospital for health reasons, and about a week later King Maha Vajiralongkorn reduced his sentence to one year.
Earlier this month, Shinawatra was granted parole due to his age, 74, and health condition.
After his return to Thailand, the attorney-general’s office said it had revived an investigation into his alleged violation nearly nine years ago of the lese majeste law, which carries a penalty of up to 15 years in prison.
Shinawatra was accused in 2016 of violating the law over comments he made to reporters while in Seoul, South Korea, a year earlier.
Read Also: Turbulent flight. More than 50 people still hospitalised in Thailand (Portuguese version)
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