Thailand’s Supreme Court has ruled that former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra must serve a one-year prison sentence, declaring that his previous hospital stay did not count as time served.
Thaksin returned to Thailand in 2023 after 15 years in self-exile to face convictions for graft and abuse of power. He was initially sentenced to eight years, but this was reduced to one year by Royal pardon. Instead of serving time in prison, he spent six months in a VIP hospital ward, citing health problems, before being released on parole.
The court determined today that the hospital arrangement was unlawful and invalid. Judges reviewed medical records, interviewed doctors and corrections officials, and found that Thaksin did not suffer from any life-threatening conditions that would justify his continued stay outside of prison. The ruling means he must now return to jail.
Thaksin Shinawatra ordered to go back to jail by the Thailand Supreme Court Photo courtesy Lillian Suwanrumpha / AFP / Getty Images
Police have been ordered to take him into custody. As of this afternoon, he had not yet left the courthouse.
The decision is a major blow to the Shinawatra political dynasty, which has dominated Thai politics for over two decades. Thaksin’s daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, was removed as prime minister earlier this year following an ethics ruling over a leaked phone call, further weakening the family’s political influence.
Reacting to the judgment, Thaksin said that while he may lose his physical freedom, his thoughts remain with Thailand and its people.
Today’s ruling underscores the growing challenge facing populist figures in Thailand, as the courts and establishment institutions move to reassert authority over one of the country’s most divisive political leaders.
