Thai Court Orders Thaksin Shinawatra to Serve One Year in Prison

Thu Oct 23 2025 05:30:33 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

In a decisive ruling, Thailand's Supreme Court mandates former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to serve a one-year sentence for corruption, following a previous controversial hospital transfer.

Thailand's Supreme Court has ruled that former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra must serve one year in jail for a corruption conviction. This decision comes after scrutiny of his earlier transfer to a hospital shortly after his return to the country. Thaksin, who has been a significant figure in Thai politics since 2001, commented on maintaining his commitment to serve the nation despite his incarceration. His family's political aspirations have faced turmoil, marked by his daughter's recent ousting.

Thai Court Rules Thaksin Shinawatra Must Serve One Year in Jail

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 prison.

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, sentenced to eight years in prison. However, he spent only hours in a jail cell before he complained of heart issues and was 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 before receiving parole and moved to his home in Bangkok.

A Supreme Court judge stated that Thaksin knew or could perceive that he was not in a critical or emergency condition. While he had chronic medical conditions, he could have been treated as an outpatient, ruling that the hospital stay was illegal.

The handling of the case has led to criticism from many Thais, who believe that the rich and powerful receive special treatment.

Last week, Thaksin flew out of Thailand in a private jet to Dubai for alleged medical treatment but returned for the court hearing. Upon arrival in court, he was accompanied by Paetongtarn, smiling and greeting supporters.

Paetongtarn expressed concern for her father but maintained that the family was in good spirits and vowed to continue their political endeavors as Pheu Thai faces challenges.

Political Turmoil in Thailand

This ruling comes amidst a backdrop of political upheaval in Thailand, illustrating the shifting fortunes of the Shinawatra clan. Thaksin's recent legal troubles, including accusations of lese-majeste for insulting the Thai king, have created a narrative of ongoing conflict within the political landscape.

Paetongtarn's political career has been marred by controversy, and the recent selection of a new Prime Minister marks yet another chapter in Thailand's volatile political scene.

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