Thailand’s Supreme Court has ruled that former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra must serve a one-year prison sentence, marking another setback for one of the country’s most influential political dynasties.

The ruling stems from an earlier conviction for corruption, in which Thaksin was sentenced to several years in jail but spent less than a day behind bars before being transferred to a hospital. On Tuesday, the court declared that the transfer had been unlawful, ordering the 76-year-old to serve his term in prison.

Thaksin and his family have dominated Thai politics since his first election victory in 2001. His daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, previously held the position of party leader but was removed last month following the leak of a phone conversation.

Shortly after the decision was announced, Thaksin issued a statement on social media, saying: “Even though I lose my physical freedom, I will still have freedom of thought for the benefit of my country and its people.” He pledged to remain strong in service to the monarchy, the nation and its citizens.

Ousted in a 2006 military coup, Thaksin spent years in self-imposed exile, mostly in Dubai. When he returned in 2023, he was tried and convicted of corruption and abuse of power during his premiership, receiving an eight-year sentence. But he spent only hours in a cell before complaining of heart problems and being moved to a luxury wing of the Police General Hospital.

Following his appeal for a royal pardon, King Maha Vajiralongkorn reduced his sentence to one year. Thaksin remained in hospital for six months before being granted parole and returning home to Bangkok.

On Tuesday, the Supreme Court found that his hospitalisation had not been justified. A judge noted that while Thaksin had chronic conditions, he could have been treated as an outpatient. The so-called “14th floor case” — named after the hospital floor where he stayed — has drawn heavy public criticism, with many Thais arguing the wealthy and powerful receive privileged treatment.

The former leader was seen arriving at court in Bangkok with Paetongtarn on Tuesday morning, smiling and greeting supporters. Wearing a suit with a yellow tie — a colour linked to Thailand’s monarchy — he appeared calm as the ruling was read.

Paetongtarn later told reporters she was “worried” about her father but added that he and the family were in good spirits. She also vowed to continue advancing the work of their Pheu Thai party from the opposition benches.

Source: BBC

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