Commentary: Who is really in charge in Thailand?

Commentary: Who is really in charge in Thailand?

Thaksin is still in the wilderness, though. In a media interview with him in Seoul on May 21, 2015, he is also facing two criminal charges for insulting King Bhumibol, the preceding king. Thaksin has also been accused of violating the Computer Law of 2007 for causing false information to travel on cultural media from his meeting in Seoul in addition to the lese- guess law under Section 112 of the Criminal Code, which has a jail term ranging from 3 to 15 years. A peak sentence under this law can be up to 20 years in prison.

When he met with a top attorney to discuss the case on February 19, Thaksin denied any wrongdoing. The Attorney-General may make a fresh decision regarding how to deal with the Thaksin case, which will be made on April 10.

A unique Attorney-General publicly stated his official opinion that the case may be prosecuted in soon 2015. This was in attente of Thaksin’s imprisonment, who was then exiled and residing primarily in Dubai.

Thaksin has been accused of breaking the lese-majeste laws before for the first time. Due to lack of information, many similar cases against him had all been dismissed.

In the fourth month of August, Thaksin can begin counting the days until he can legitimately regain his independence if the situation against him is dropped like it did before.

In the interim, Thaksin may be busy contacting tourists to ask for better positions in a new Cabinet portfolio. Thai officials are aware of who is actually in charge.

The Thailand Studies Programme, ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute, is led by Termsak Chalermpalanupap, a Visiting Senior Fellow and acting representative. The ISEAS- Yusof Ishak Institute’s website, Fulcrum, originally contained this remark.