POLARISING FIGURE
Pheu Thai, a party controlled by the Shinawatra family, is currently in power and critics have complained about Thaksin's lenient treatment and questioned the severity of his health problems.
Thaksin made a dramatic return in August and showed no signs of poor health as he emerged from his private jet to greet supporters and family, before being escorted away by police who saluted him as he arrived. But he was transferred to a hospital on his first night in jail as he complained of chest pains.
Doctors last year said he had high blood pressure, heart issues and back pains affecting his balance, for which he underwent surgery, and was easily tired due to fibrosis on the lungs having earlier been infected with COVID-19.
The attorney-general's office said more investigation was needed before deciding whether to indict Thaksin for insulting the crown. The complaint, made by the military that ousted his sister Yingluck Shinawatra's government, stems from an interview Thaksin gave while in exile in 2015.
Insulting the monarchy is a serious offence and a major slur in Thailand, where the constitution states the king must be held in a position of "revered worship".
Hundreds of people have been prosecuted in recent years under Thailand's lese-majeste law, which is among the world's strictest and carries a maximum jail sentence of up to 15 years for each perceived royal insult.
Thaksin has always pledged loyalty to the monarchy and had recently sent a plea letter to authorities requesting fairness in the case.
Thailand's best-known and most polarising premier, Thaksin was a towering figure over Thai politics while in self-imposed exile to avoid jail for abuse of power, charges he maintained were cooked up by the country's old guard to keep him at bay.
He is widely expected to exert some influence over the current government led by his allies, but has insisted he is retired.
The royal insult case against Thaksin "is an important case because the person involved is an important person, the charge is serious and the public has interest in it", said Prayut Petchkun, spokesperson for the attorney-general's office.
Thaksin will need to report back on Apr 10 to hear the office's decision on the case, the spokesperson said.
"Please be confident in the process that everything is based on the law and facts."
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2024-02-19 06:30:00Z
CBMiWmh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmNoYW5uZWxuZXdzYXNpYS5jb20vYXNpYS90aGFpbGFuZC10aGFrc2luLXNoaW5hd2F0cmEtYXBwZWFycy10cnVseS1pbGwtNDEzMzYxNtIBAA
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