Thai Supreme Court sentences ex-Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to one year in prison
Thaksin Shinawatra Returns to Thailand to Serve Prison Sentence
Thaksin Shinawatra, a prominent figure in Thai politics for several decades, has returned to Thailand to fulfill his obligation to attend a Supreme Court hearing scheduled for Tuesday. This marks the end of his 15-year exile in Dubai, where he evaded justice following corruption charges.
In August 2023, Thaksin, who is now 76 years old, flew back to Thailand on his private jet, citing health reasons. However, the exact reasons for his hospitalization are not specified in the text. The former leader spent 180 days hospitalized under police custody before being acquitted on August 22 of a lese-majesty charge.
Thaksin's hospitalization could not be counted towards his sentence, as the court ruled. He was subsequently detained to serve multiple pending corruption sentences. His prolonged hospitalization was due to non-urgent surgeries required for issues with his right finger and shoulder.
Thaksin's return to Thailand coincides with the return to power of his party, Pheu Thai. The new prime minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, was elected in a vote held on Friday in Parliament.
Paetongtarn's government, considered part of the Shinawatra political clan, thanked the royal clemency for reducing Thaksin's sentence to one year. The Thai Department of Corrections is responsible for enforcing the Supreme Court's ruling that Thaksin must serve one year in prison.
Thaksin is considered the shadow leader of the Shinawatra political clan. Despite his age, he maintains a busy schedule of international travel and public appearances. His return to Thailand is a significant development in Thai politics, and his future role remains to be seen.
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