This departure happened just before a vote for the next Prime Minister, after his daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, was disallowed from office due to an ethical breach.
A Supreme Court verdict is expected on Tuesday regarding Thaksin, which may result in his incarceration.
Thaksin’s Legal Issues
Thaksin claimed he was heading to Singapore for medical purposes, but his flight redirected to Dubai, where he lived in exile. He stated he would return for the Tuesday hearing.
Thaksin was Thailand’s Prime Minister until ousted by a 2006 coup. Despite brief returns and a corruption allegation, he served part of a reduced sentence in a hospital suite amid allegations of preferential treatment.
The Supreme Court will decide if the Corrections Department acted lawfully in granting him early release, potentially leading to jail time, though not on grounds of guilt.
Decline of Shinawatra Family’s Political Influence
Following the 2023 elections, the Pheu Thai coalition, linked to the Shinawatra family, held Thailand’s highest office.
However, the Thai court removed Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Thaksin’s daughter, from office. The court’s decision followed accusations related to a conversation with Cambodian leader Hun Sen concerning border disputes, which stirred public dissatisfaction.
Figure: Anutin Charnvirakul addressing reporters at the Thai parliament
The political instability has made construction tycoon Anutin Charnvirakul the leading candidate in the upcoming vote. He has garnered support from various opposition groups after distancing himself from Paetongtarn’s conduct this summer.
Edited by: Sean Sinico
