Court clears Thai lawyer’s remark against Thaksin

The recent verdict delivered by the South Bangkok Criminal Court concerning Thai lawyer and politician Chuan Leekpai’s contentious statement, where he labeled ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra as a “harbinger of doom” for the Deep South, has sparked significant debate and scrutiny. This legal showdown, which hovered on the brink of defamation, concluded today with a ruling that reverberated through both sides of the dispute.

Initiated just three days before the statute of limitations lapsed, the lawsuit accused Chuan of defaming Thaksin during a speech delivered nearly a decade earlier. However, the court in its judgment, dismissed allegations of malice, asserting that Chuan’s remarks were simply the articulation of a seasoned politician’s viewpoint.

Throughout the trial, Chuan staunchly defended his right to vocalize his opinions based on his extensive political experience. He bolstered his argument with testimonies, including that of a former military commander, to underscore his contention that Thaksin’s policies had fueled violence in the Deep South.

Revelations surfaced during the proceedings regarding alleged directives from Thaksin to eliminate insurgency leaders monthly, painting a grim portrait of the events preceding the resurgence of conflict in the region.

In a subsequent address to the press following the verdict, Chuan reiterated his stance, emphasizing his commitment to monitoring the government’s response to the ongoing crisis in the Deep South. Recent attacks, he asserted, serve as a testament to the unresolved nature of the situation, as reported by The Nation.

Meanwhile, Thaksin’s legal representative, Winyatti Chartmontree, acknowledged the court’s acknowledgment of both individuals as public figures entitled to critique each other’s policies.

In parallel developments, the Corrections Department faces scrutiny for alleged double standards in handling the case of former Thai PM Thaksin. Despite being confined at the Police General Hospital for six months, the 74-year-old Thaksin enjoyed an early release, prompting accusations of preferential treatment.

Critics are directing their scrutiny at Justice Minister Police Colonel Tawee Sodsong, who oversees the Corrections Department, holding him responsible for what they perceive as VIP treatment.