• Thaksin Shinawatra is on trial for royal defamation, facing up to 15 years in prison.
• The case revolves around remarks he made to South Korean media a decade ago.
• His daughter, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, was suspended amid an ethics probe.
• The verdict is set for August 22, 2025.
• Thaksin's return and legal issues signify challenges for the Pheu Thai party as political tensions rise.

Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra testified in court on July 16, 2025, defending himself against royal defamation charges that could result in a prison sentence of up to 15 years. This closed-door trial is pivotal for his political dynasty, as Thaksin faces accusations of violating strict lese majeste laws, which protect Thailand's royal family from defamation and criticism, according to Channel News Asia and Al Jazeera.

The legal troubles for Thaksin coincide with the suspension of his daughter, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, by the Constitutional Court just two weeks prior, marking a significant downturn in their family’s political fortunes. Analysts suggest that these developments illustrate the ongoing tension between the Shinawatra family and Thailand's pro-royal, pro-military elites, with Thaksin asserting his loyalty to the monarchy even as he faces legal scrutiny, according to The Jakarta Post and India Times.

Thaksin's current legal case centers around statements made to South Korean media a decade ago. As the trial continues, he is expected to provide extensive testimony, with a verdict anticipated on August 22, 2025. These proceedings occur against a backdrop of significant political instability for the Pheu Thai party, which is struggling to maintain a majority in parliament after losing key conservative allies due to the fallout from a leaked diplomatic call involving his daughter, according to Reuters.

The sharp decline in the political standing of both Thaksin and Paetongtarn serves to highlight the ongoing challenges faced by their political dynasty amidst ongoing calls for accountability and criticism stemming from their legal entanglements. With strong public support from around 50 gathered demonstrators, who wore red shirts adorned with Thaksin's portrait, the trial is watched closely by many, according to Channel News Asia and Al Jazeera.