Bangkok: “Thaksin” appeared in court as scheduled, avoiding the media, to attend the examination of plaintiff’s witnesses in the Section 112 case. The former prime minister was reportedly concerned about a clip used in the complaint against him.

According to Thai News Agency, the proceedings took place at the Criminal Court on Ratchadaphisek Road where the court began the first hearing for the plaintiff’s witness in the lese majeste case, black number A.1860/2567. The Office of the Attorney General 8 has filed a lawsuit against former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra for the offense of insulting the monarchy under Section 112 of the Criminal Code, an offense related to the Computer Act.

The case dates back to 2015 when Mr. Thaksin gave an interview to a foreign TV station in South Korea, which allegedly insulted the monarchy. Mr. Thaksin has denied these charges and was granted bail.

Mr. Winyat Chatmontri, Mr. Thaksin’s lawyer, was among the first to arrive at the court. He revealed that the plaintiff has listed 3 witnesses to testify in court, and a total of 10 witnesses will be examined over three consecutive days from July 1 to 3.

The defense has 14 witnesses, whose testimonies will be heard over four sessions, scheduled to begin on July 15. Mr. Thaksin expressed a desire to attend every witness examination in person, except in instances of unavoidable absence, although the court’s requirements will be reviewed first.

Mr. Winyat also addressed concerns regarding a clip from the interview with the Korean media used in the complaint against Mr. Thaksin. The defense plans to question witnesses about the origin of this clip.

Former Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat was present at the court to support Mr. Thaksin. Mr. Thaksin later arrived at the court in a black-gray Benz with the license plate number Tsor 267 Bangkok, avoiding the press as he entered courtroom 902.