Thailand former PM cleared of royal insult charge but Shinawatra dynasty’s fate still hangs in balance

Lese-majesty case against Thaksin Shinawatra is dismissed, but his daughter Paetongtarn will hear next week if she will be removed as prime minster

A criminal court in Thailand has dismissed a case accusing former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra of defaming the monarchy, the first of three court cases that could decide the fate of one of the country’s prominent political families.

Thaksin was accused of insulting the monarchy during an interview with South Korean newspaper Chosun Ilbo in 2015.