National —
On November 22nd, 2024, Thailand’s Constitutional Court unanimously dismissed a petition filed by Teerayut Suwankesorn accusing Thaksin Shinawatra and the Pheu Thai Party of using their rights to undermine Thailand’s constitutional monarchy.
The accusations, made under Article 49 of the Constitution, included six claims ranging from influencing prison accommodations to alleged interference in government policy.
The Attorney General’s Office (AGO), which reviewed the claims prior to the petition, had already concluded there was insufficient evidence of any wrongdoing that could undermine the democratic system.
Key allegations included claims that Thaksin influenced policies to benefit Cambodia in maritime disputes and manipulated party decisions from behind the scenes.
The court ruled that for actions to qualify under Article 49, clear and substantial evidence must demonstrate intent and an imminent threat to the democratic system.
After reviewing the petition, the court concluded the allegations lacked credible proof. A unanimous decision dismissed five of the six claims, while a 7-2 majority vote rejected the sixth claim involving maritime disputes with Cambodia.
This ruling confirms no legal grounds to proceed with the case against Thaksin or the Pheu Thai Party, closing the matter entirely.
