Former Thai PM Thaksin Shinawatra Sentenced to One Year in Jail

Tue Oct 21 2025 21:29:54 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

In a significant ruling, Thailand's Supreme Court mandates Thaksin Shinawatra to serve a year in prison, following a controversial hospital transfer after his initial sentencing.

The Supreme Court of Thailand has ordered former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to serve a one-year prison sentence, stemming from a corruption case. This ruling comes as part of a broader political turmoil involving the Shinawatra family, who have significantly influenced Thai politics. Despite a previous controversial hospital stay, the court deemed it unlawful and emphasized Thaksin's need to serve his sentence. Thaksin, who briefly returned to Thailand in 2023 after years in exile, expressed his commitment to his country despite the ruling.

Thailand's top court has ruled that former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra must serve a year in jail, in yet another blow to the influential political dynasty.

The decision relates to a previous case where he was sentenced to years in prison for corruption, but ended up spending less than a day in a jail cell as he was moved to a hospital.

On Tuesday, the Supreme Court ruled that this transfer was unlawful - and that the 76-year-old would have to serve his sentence in jail.

Thaksin and his family have dominated Thai politics since he was first elected PM in 2001. His daughter Paetongtarn previously served as leader but was removed from office last month over a leaked phone call.

Shortly after the ruling was announced, Thaksin released a statement on social media stating that even though I lose my physical freedom, I will still have freedom of thought for the benefit of my country and its people. He also vowed to maintain his strength to serve the monarchy, Thailand, and its people.

The former PM was ousted in a military coup in 2006 and spent years living in self-imposed exile, mostly in Dubai. When he returned to Thailand in 2023, he was promptly tried and found guilty of corruption and abuse of power during his time in office and sentenced to eight years in prison.

But Thaksin spent only hours in a jail cell before he complained of heart issues - and was later moved to a luxury wing of Thailand's Police General Hospital.

Following his plea for a royal pardon, the Thai king commuted his sentence to one year. Thaksin stayed in the hospital for six months, then received parole and moved to his home in Bangkok.

On Tuesday, a Supreme Court judge stated that Thaksin knew or could perceive that he was not in a critical or emergency condition. While Thaksin had chronic medical conditions, he could have been treated as an outpatient.

The 14th floor case has attracted intense scrutiny and criticism from many Thais, who argue that the wealthy and powerful are often afforded privileged treatment.

Prior to the ruling, Thaksin was observed closely, especially after he flew out of Thailand in a private jet to Dubai for medical treatment, noting his intention to return for the court hearing.

At the court, Thaksin was seen smiling and mingling with supporters. His daughter expressed concerns for him but remained hopeful.

The ruling occurs amid ongoing political unrest in Thailand, as the Shinawatra family’s political fortunes seem to be shifting yet again in a rapidly changing landscape.

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