Court clears former Thai PM Thaksin in royal insult case

A criminal court in Thailand yesterday cleared the former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra of defaming the monarchy, in the first of three cases that could decide the fate of one of the country's prominent political families.

- Rebecca Ratcliffe

Thaksin was accused of insulting the monarchy in relation to an interview he gave to the South Korean newspaper Chosun Ilbo in 2015.

He denied wrongdoing and repeatedly pledged his loyalty to the king, who according to the constitution should be "enthroned in a position of revered worship".

"The case was dismissed," Thaksin told reporters, smiling as he left court. He wore a yellow tie, the colour associated with the Thai monarchy. The court confirmed it had dismissed the case, saying there was not enough evidence to prove wrongdoing.