Thailand’s Supreme Court Orders Thaksin Shinawatra Back to Prison Amid Fresh Political Turmoil

Bangkok is gripped by a fresh wave of political drama as Thailand’s Supreme Court has ordered former Prime Minister and billionaire Thaksin Shinawatra to return to prison for one year. The ruling on Tuesday declared his prolonged hospital stay last year, following his dramatic return from exile in 2023, was unlawful, overturning previous leniency that saw him serve no time in a traditional prison cell.

The 76-year-old political titan, who was initially sentenced to eight years for corruption and abuse of power but later received a royal pardon reducing it to one year, had been released on parole in February 2024 after spending his sentence in a luxury hospital suite. The court now asserts Thaksin was aware his medical conditions could have been managed as an outpatient, benefiting from an extended hospital stay without returning to custody.

Adding to the unfolding events, Thaksin reportedly flew to Dubai on Thursday for a “health check-up,” immediately sparking speculation across the kingdom that he may have fled the country once again. In June, Thailand’s medical council had already suspended two doctors for issuing false medical information related to his hospital stay.

These developments coincide with a significant shift in Thailand’s political landscape. Just last week, the Shinawatra family’s Pheu Thai Party was ousted from government. Less than two weeks prior, Thaksin’s daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, was removed from her post as prime minister by the Constitutional Court over ethics breaches. In a swift transition, veteran politician Anutin Charnvirakul was voted in as Thailand’s new prime minister, taking office on Sunday after receiving royal endorsement.

The recent court order against Thaksin and the rapid change in government mark a potential blow to the Shinawatra dynasty, which has dominated Thai politics for over two decades. Observers are keenly watching how these intertwined legal and political developments will reshape the kingdom’s future.

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