Latest news with #Somchai
The Star
14 hours ago
- Politics
- The Star
Thaksin attends second day of prosecution witness hearing in royal defamation case
BANGKOK: Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra appeared at the Criminal Court for the second prosecution witness hearing related to a royal defamation case on Wednesday (July 2). He faces charges under Section 112 of the Criminal Code (lese majeste) and the Computer Crime Act, stemming from a 2015 interview he gave to a South Korean television outlet in which he allegedly made remarks deemed insulting to the monarchy. Thaksin has denied all charges and has been released on bail. In the morning, Thaksin's lawyer, Winyat Chartmontree, told reporters that today's session involved four prosecution witnesses, though he declined to reveal their identities. Defence witnesses are expected to begin testifying next week. When asked if he had spoken to Thaksin after the first day of hearings on July 1, Winyat confirmed they had discussed the testimony in his role as legal counsel, but insisted that no political topics were raised. He also affirmed that Thaksin intends to attend every court hearing until the case concludes. Former Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat, Thaksin's brother-in-law, was present at court once again to offer his support. Speaking briefly to reporters, Somchai said Thaksin remained unfazed by the case, as well as by the recent Constitutional Court order suspending former PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra from her duties. Somchai added that Paetongtarn had served the country and its people with full commitment during her time as Prime Minister. While he believed no harm had been done, the court's decision must be respectfully accepted. - The Nation/ANN
Bangkok Post
2 days ago
- Politics
- Bangkok Post
Thaksin attends Criminal Court for lese-majeste hearing
Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra showed up at the Criminal Court on Tuesday morning for the first hearing of prosecution witnesses in the lese-majeste case over his media interview in South Korea in 2015. Thaksin arrived at the court on Ratchadaphisek Road in Bangkok at 9.18am in a bronze Mercedes Benz and avoided reporters by using a side elevator rather than the front staircase. His brother-in-law and former prime minister Somchai Wongsawat was present at the court to give him moral support. The court ordered the doors closed, barring the public and media. Speaking briefly to reporters, Mr Somchai said he was at the court as a member of the public giving moral support to Thaksin. Asked if he would be called as a defence witness, Mr Somchai said Thaksin's legal team had not put his name forward as a witness. (continues below) The case stems from remarks Thaksin made in a 2015 interview with Chosun Ilbo in South Korea during which he alleged that privy councillors supported the coup that removed his younger sister, then-prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra, from power. The interview was posted online, so he was also charged with computer crime in addition to lese majeste under Section 112 of the Criminal Code. Thaksin denied the charges and is free on bail. Thaksin's lawyer Winyat Chartmontree said prosecutors planned to put three of their 10 listed witnesses in the stand during the three-day hearing. As defence counsel he would cross-examine each witness, Mr Winyat said. Asked if Thaksin was required to attend every hearing, he replied that his client was out on bail and was therefore obligated to appear in court. The Criminal Court may issue procedural guidelines, he added. He also said a request for trial in absentia might be considered if necessary, but Thaksin currenly intended to be present throughout the proceedings. Mr Winyat said a request for a trial in absentia was generally only applicable in cases where the maximum penalty did not exceed 10 years. Given that the charges in this case carry a higher sentence, the defendant may not qualify for that exception. Thaksin had shown his intention to attend all hearings in person, he said. The court has scheduled seven sessions for the herings - three for the plaintiff's 10 witnesses (July 1–3), and four for the defendant's 14 witnesses, beginning on July 15. The final hearing is scheduled for July 23, although proceedings may conclude earlier depending on the pace of the trial, Thaksin's lawyer said.
Bangkok Post
4 days ago
- Politics
- Bangkok Post
Cambodia strongman Hun Sen's livestream 'breaks law'
Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen's livestream broadcast on Friday amounts to interference in Thailand's internal affairs and violates international protocol, says Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Russ Jalichandra. Mr Russ said the livestream appeared to threaten the Thai government's stability, noting Hun Sen's explicit call for regime change breached both international law and Asean principles. He urged Cambodian authorities to address concerns regarding criminal activity inside its borders, citing reports from organisations including the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and Amnesty International that have labelled Cambodia a global centre for illicit operations. "Cambodia should handle these allegations independently, without involving Thailand," Mr Russ said. Thailand, he said, had no obligation to clarify or defend Cambodia's reputation in response to the livestream. He also suggested Hun Sen's remarks might have been politically motivated to benefit certain groups within Thailand. Hun Sen's livestream came amid heightened tensions between the countries. During the broadcast, he made a series of accusations against the government and several prominent political figures, including former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul. The government has not responded formally. However, officials have reiterated the importance of diplomacy, restraint, and maintaining peaceful bilateral ties with Cambodia, particularly amid recent border disputes. Some observers say the response fails to meet the moment, especially when crowds calling for the PM's resignation in response to the furore over her recent phone call with Hun Sen are hitting the streets. In a Facebook post on Saturday, former election commissioner Somchai Srisutthiyakorn called on the government to issue a formal response to Hun Sen's statements to maintain public trust. Mr Somchai stressed that as Hun Sen remains the most influential figure in Cambodian politics, his remarks should be treated as carrying official weight rather than as a personal opinion. He criticised Hun Sen's call for regime change as a serious breach of diplomatic ethics and an overt interference in Thailand's internal affairs -- especially considering the comments were framed as an attempt to mend bilateral relations. Mr Somchai also condemned Hun Sen's claim that Cambodia had assisted fugitive former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra with her travels to Malaysia and Singapore, saying such actions would constitute a violation of Thai law. While no statements directly breached Thailand's lese-majeste law, Mr Somchai said several remarks made during the livestream could be interpreted as threats -- including a claim that Cambodia possesses weapons capable of launching missiles directly at Bangkok. He urged the government to take a firmer stance against Cambodia.
Bangkok Post
4 days ago
- Politics
- Bangkok Post
Hun Sen's livestream 'breaks law'
Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen's livestream broadcast on Friday amounts to interference in Thailand's internal affairs and violates international protocol, says Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Russ Jalichandra. Mr Russ said the livestream appeared to threaten the Thai government's stability, noting Hun Sen's explicit call for regime change breached both international law and Asean principles. He urged Cambodian authorities to address concerns regarding criminal activity inside its borders, citing reports from organisations including the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and Amnesty International that have labelled Cambodia a global centre for illicit operations. "Cambodia should handle these allegations independently, without involving Thailand," Mr Russ said. Thailand, he said, had no obligation to clarify or defend Cambodia's reputation in response to the livestream. He also suggested Hun Sen's remarks might have been politically motivated to benefit certain groups within Thailand. Hun Sen's livestream came amid heightened tensions between the countries. During the broadcast, he made a series of accusations against the government and several prominent political figures, including former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul. The government has not responded formally. However, officials have reiterated the importance of diplomacy, restraint, and maintaining peaceful bilateral ties with Cambodia, particularly amid recent border disputes. Some observers say the response fails to meet the moment, especially when crowds calling for the PM's resignation in response to the furore over her recent phone call with Hun Sen are hitting the streets. In a Facebook post on Saturday, former election commissioner Somchai Srisutthiyakorn called on the government to issue a formal response to Hun Sen's statements to maintain public trust. Mr Somchai stressed that as Hun Sen remains the most influential figure in Cambodian politics, his remarks should be treated as carrying official weight rather than as a personal opinion. He criticised Hun Sen's call for regime change as a serious breach of diplomatic ethics and an overt interference in Thailand's internal affairs -- especially considering the comments were framed as an attempt to mend bilateral relations. Mr Somchai also condemned Hun Sen's claim that Cambodia had assisted fugitive former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra with her travels to Malaysia and Singapore, saying such actions would constitute a violation of Thai law. While no statements directly breached Thailand's lese-majeste law, Mr Somchai said several remarks made during the livestream could be interpreted as threats -- including a claim that Cambodia possesses weapons capable of launching missiles directly at Bangkok.
