A Bangkok court is set to deliver a verdict in a lese majeste case against former Thai Prime Minister and billionaire Thaksin Shinawatra. He faces up to 15 years in prison over a 2013 interview in which he suggested palace involvement in the 2014 military coup. Critics say Thailand’s law is often used to silence political opponents, and past cases have punished even minor perceived insults to the monarchy.

According to BBC, the ruling comes as Thaksin’s daughter, suspended PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra, faces her own court case, which could remove her from office. Observers say the outcomes may hinge on Thailand’s traditional power brokers, with Thaksin potentially remaining free on bail while appeals and further legal battles unfold.