The prosecution’s case revolves around remarks Thaksin made to South Korean media a decade ago, with the defendant due to give at least three days of testimony. A verdict is not expected for several weeks.
Thaksin’s lawyer Winyat Chatmontri told AFP he gave testimony in the morning “and will continue throughout the rest of the day”.
The lawyer said the court will deliver its verdict on Aug 22.
“We are confident that we will receive justice,” he told reporters.
Around 50 Thaksin supporters gathered at the courthouse wearing shirts the red colour of his political movement and emblazoned with a portrait of his face.
“He is a very talented guy,” 79-year-old retired accountant Vaew Wilailak told AFP. “But from past experience, bad people just want to get rid of him.”
Thaksin returned to Thailand in August 2023 after 15 years in exile, following a military coup which ousted him from the prime minister’s office he won in two elections.
He returned the day his family’s Pheu Thai party took office at the head of a coalition government backed by their conservative former enemies, fuelling suspicions a backroom deal had been struck.
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