Thailand’s Supreme Court has ruled that former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra will serve a one-year prison sentence, marking a significant development for the politically influential family. This ruling stems from a previous conviction for corruption, in which Thaksin had been sentenced to eight years but only spent hours in jail before being relocated to a hospital due to health concerns.
The court deemed the transfer to the hospital unlawful and stated that Thaksin was not in a critical medical condition during that time. In 2023, upon his return to Thailand after years of self-imposed exile, Thaksin was found guilty of corruption and abuse of power, which led to the lengthy prison sentence. However, after a plea for royal clemency, his sentence was commuted to one year. Thaksin later spent six months in a hospital and subsequently received parole.
Following the ruling, Thaksin expressed in a social media statement that while he may lose his physical freedom, he would continue to serve his country. The “14th floor case,” referring to the hospital floor where he stayed, has attracted scrutiny and criticism in Thailand, with some citizens alleging preferential treatment for the wealthy and powerful.
On the day of the court ruling, Thaksin appeared in court alongside his daughter, Paetongtarn, who had previously been a leader before her removal over a leaked phone call. The court’s decision arrives amid ongoing political turmoil, with recent changes in leadership and the Pheu Thai party’s fluctuating status. Notably, Thaksin previously faced and was acquitted of charges related to insulting the monarchy, further highlighting the complexities and changes within Thai politics.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cly7k2g37g4o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss