Thaksin Shinawatra Sentenced to One Year in Jail by Thai Supreme Court
Thailand's top court has ruled that former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra must serve a year in jail, in yet another blow to the influential political dynasty.
The decision relates to a previous case where he was sentenced to years in prison for corruption, but ended up spending less than a day in a jail cell as he was moved to a hospital.
On Tuesday, the Supreme Court ruled that this transfer was unlawful - and that the 76-year-old would have to serve his sentence in jail.
Thaksin and his family have dominated Thai politics since he was first elected PM in 2001. His daughter Paetongtarn previously served as leader but was removed from office last month over a leaked phone call.
Shortly after the ruling was announced, Thaksin released a statement on social media stating that even though I lose my physical freedom, I will still have freedom of thought for the benefit of my country and its people. He also vowed to maintain his strength to serve the monarchy, Thailand and its people.
The former PM was ousted in a military coup in 2006 and spent years living in self-imposed exile, mostly in Dubai. When he returned to Thailand in 2023, he was promptly tried and found guilty of corruption and abuse of power during his time in office and sentenced to eight years in prison.
However, Thaksin spent only hours in a jail cell before he complained of heart issues and was later moved to a luxury wing of Thailand's Police General Hospital. Following his plea for a royal pardon, the Thai king commuted his sentence to one year.
Thaksin stayed in hospital for six months, then received parole and moved to his home in Bangkok.
The Supreme Court judge emphasized that Thaksin knew or could perceive that he was not in a critical or emergency condition. The handling of the 14th floor case has attracted continuous scrutiny, raising questions about the privileged treatment of the rich and powerful.
Prior to Tuesday's ruling, many were closely monitoring Thaksin's movements. Last week, he flew out of Thailand in a private jet to Dubai for what he claimed was medical treatment. He stated on social media that he intended to return for court hearings.
Thaksin appeared in court in Bangkok with Paetongtarn, smiling and engaging with supporters, signaling a semblance of confidence despite the unfolding legal challenges.
Political Turmoil in Thailand
His case coincides with political turmoil in Thailand, and Tuesday's court decision signifies another chapter in the declining fortunes of the Shinawatra clan and the Pheu Thai party. Accused of insulting the Thai king in a separate case, Thaksin was acquitted of lese-majeste last month. Meanwhile, Paetongtarn faced her controversies that contributed to her dismissal from office.
Last week Thailand's parliament elected Anutin Charnvirakul as the new prime minister, marking a shift in the political landscape as his party broke from the coalition previously led by Pheu Thai.
