Thailand's Supreme Court ruled on Tuesday that former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra must serve an additional one-year prison term for allegedly evading his sentence during his lengthy hospitalization period, state media reported.
Thaksin, who returned from self-exile in August 2023, was initially imprisoned but was transferred to the Police General Hospital on health grounds just days after his return. He spent nearly 180 days receiving treatment on the 14th floor of the hospital before being released, a move that sparked significant public controversy and allegations of privileged treatment over whether he had legitimately served his full sentence.
The case was brought to court in January 2025 by a former Democrat Party MP, who petitioned for an investigation into the legality of Thaksin's hospital stay being counted as time served.
According to Thai media, the court was tasked with determining whether state authorities had abused their power or exploited legal loopholes to help Thaksin evade his sentence, and whether Thaksin himself was aware of and benefited from such actions. If found guilty, he would be required to re-enter the prison system, and the implicated officials could face legal consequences.
Thaksin, who served as Prime Minister from 2001 until his ouster in a 2006 military coup, has remained a highly influential figure in Thai politics despite his years in exile. His political influence was underscored in August last year when his daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, was elected as the new Prime Minister. However, in a recent turn of events, Thailand's Constitutional Court ruled on Aug. 29 that Paetongtarn had violated the constitution, resulting in her removal from office. On Sept. 5, the House of Representatives elected Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, as the new Prime Minister.
Thai media analysts suggest that an unfavorable ruling for Thaksin could significantly diminish the Shinawatra family's considerable political influence in Thailand.
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