Thailand’s Top Court Sends Thaksin Shinawatra Back to Jail
Thailand’s Supreme Court has ordered former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra to serve one year in prison, ruling that his extended stay in hospital last year was unlawful and did not count as time served.
Thaksin, 76, was sentenced in 2023 to eight years for corruption and abuse of power but avoided a prison cell, spending months in a Bangkok hospital before receiving a royal pardon that cut his sentence to one year. He was released on parole in early 2024.
On Tuesday, the court said his medical conditions could have been managed as an outpatient, and that he benefited from special treatment. Two doctors who approved his hospital stay were suspended earlier this year for issuing false medical documents.
In a social media post, Thaksin accepted the ruling, saying he would “look forward” and continue contributing “for the benefit of the nation and people.” His daughter and former prime minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, said the family’s political party would continue its role in opposition.
The decision marks another blow to the powerful Shinawatra dynasty, which has dominated Thai politics for two decades but is now facing diminished influence following recent court rulings and the ouster of the Pheu Thai-led government.
