Thailand’s Supreme Court on Tuesday ruled that former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra must serve a one-year prison sentence.
The decision came after Thaksin’s stay in a VIP wing at a hospital, which was intended to substitute for jail time, was deemed invalid. A statement from the five-judge panel said, “The defendant is aware that his illness is not critical, and being in the hospital cannot be considered as serving a prison sentence.” The court subsequently ordered a warrant to transfer Thaksin to Bangkok Remand Prison.
Thaksin, 76, expressed acceptance of the ruling, saying on Facebook, “Today, I am no longer free. But I have the freedom to think of ways to benefit the people and the country. I will remain mentally and physically strong and continue to serve the king, the nation, and the people of Thailand.”
Earlier, the billionaire had been sentenced to eight years in prison for corruption and abuse of power charges after returning to Thailand in August 2023. However, he never spent a night in jail, only a few hours behind bars before being moved to a private room at Bangkok Police General Hospital following complaints of chest pain. This special treatment had sparked public criticism.
His sentence was later reduced to one year, and Thaksin was released on parole after spending six months in the hospital.
Meanwhile, his daughter Paetongtarn, recently dismissed by the Constitutional Court, criticized the ruling, saying, “My father is the first prime minister to be imprisoned despite his many contributions to the country. I am concerned about his health,” she told reporters outside the court.
