BANGKOK (RTW News) – In a landmark development, Thailand's Supreme Court has confirmed that former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra must serve a one-year prison term, relating to his previous corruption and abuse of power convictions. This ruling comes amidst an investigation into the handling of his much-publicized return to Thailand in 2023 after over ten years of self-imposed exile. Originally sentenced to eight years, Thaksin's term was notably commuted to just one year by King Maha Vajiralongkorn, allowing for his immediate release on parole after he spent only six months in a hospital, having been transferred there shortly after his return. His swift transition from prison to a high-profile suite at Bangkok’s Police General Hospital has raised eyebrows and spurred widespread speculation surrounding the legitimacy of his medical claims, with many questioning whether he has received special treatment. Critics remain skeptical, suggesting that the circumstances of his sentence and release bring into question the integrity of the political landscape in Thailand.
Thailand's Supreme Court Sentences Thaksin Shinawatra to One Year in Prison
Thailand's Supreme Court Sentences Thaksin Shinawatra to One Year in Prison
In a significant ruling, Thailand's Supreme Court has mandated a one-year prison term for former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, following previous convictions related to corruption and abuse of power, amidst ongoing scrutiny of his return to the country.
The Supreme Court of Thailand has ordered Thaksin Shinawatra to serve a one-year prison sentence stemming from past corruption convictions. After returning from self-imposed exile, Thaksin was briefly placed in a hospital instead of prison, prompting allegations of preferential treatment. His sentence was initially eight years but was commuted to one year by King Maha Vajiralongkorn, followed by a swift release on medical grounds after just six months.
