Thailand’s top court sentences former PM Thaksin to one year in prison

International Desk | PNN

Thailand’s influential political leader and former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has been sentenced to one year in prison by the country’s Supreme Court.

Since being elected Prime Minister in 2001, Thaksin and his family have exerted considerable influence over Thai politics. However, facing allegations of corruption and abuse of power, he was ousted in a military coup in 2006 and spent many years in self-imposed exile in Dubai.

Upon returning to the country in 2023, Thaksin was sentenced to eight years in prison, but he spent only a few hours behind bars. Citing heart problems, he was transferred to Bangkok’s Police General Hospital, where he stayed in a luxurious ward for six months. Later, through royal pardon, his sentence was reduced to one year, and he was released on bail.

However, on Tuesday, the Supreme Court ruled that Thaksin’s medical condition did not warrant such urgent care and that he could have received treatment as an outpatient. Therefore, his extended hospital stay was deemed illegal.

At the time of the verdict, supporters gathered outside the court, many wearing the traditional red attire of his party, Pheu Thai. Thaksin attended the court session with his daughter, Paetongtarn, who was recently removed from party leadership over ethics violations.

After the verdict, Paetongtarn stated that although she is concerned for her father, the family remains mentally strong and will continue their political struggle even from the opposition.

Thaksin, in a statement, said, “Though I may lose physical freedom, my freedom of thought will remain for the welfare of the people.”

Amid Thailand’s recent political instability, many see this ruling as another significant blow to the Shinawatra family’s influence.