BANGKOK, Thailand – At the Criminal Court on Ratchadapisek Road, the court allowed former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to travel abroad, approving his request to attend a meeting in Malaysia. Thaksin personally attended the hearing, though the court did not permit outsiders to observe, and strict security measures were enforced around the courtroom.
On the morning of January 31, authorities, including police officers and court security, were stationed around the Criminal Court to maintain order. Thaksin’s luxury Mercedes-Maybach left the premises at 10:50 AM via the Civil Court exit, avoiding the media waiting outside the Criminal Court building.
At 2:50 PM, the court reviewed the facts presented in the hearing. Thaksin testified on his behalf, supported by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, who provided testimony and documents to justify the necessity of the trip. The court acknowledged that the requested travel dates from February 2 to 3, would not conflict with any scheduled court hearings, and deemed the reasons for the trip beneficial for the country and diplomatic relations.
As a result, the court approved Thaksin’s travel request, contingent upon a 5 million Baht bail. Thaksin was instructed to report back within three days of his return to Thailand and inform the Immigration Bureau of his travel.
Later on the day when Thaksin returned to court to sign the document, reporters asked about the court’s approval for him to travel abroad, he waved and smiled back before paying respects to the royal portrait before entering to sign the agreement. He was inside the courtroom for about four minutes before coming out and again bowing to the royal portrait before leaving.
Thaksin also stated that the purpose of his trip was for work, not leisure, before getting into his car and leaving the courthouse.
Regarding the lèse-majesté case under Section 112, prosecutors from the Criminal Case Division 8 have charged Thaksin in case number A1860/2567. The court has scheduled the first witness examination for July 1, at 9:00 AM.
