At the time of this post it is 06:35 in Thailand. Today Thaksin will face the court verdict. Again, I admit to being wrong because I was sure Thaksin would not return to Thailand to face judgment, but he indeed did return. Of course, once we know the result of the court verdict it will be posted.
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Thaksin 'ready' for any ruling
Former PM set to appear in court on Tuesday
September 9, 2025
Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra is prepared to accept any verdict issued by the Supreme Court on Tuesday, a source close to the matter said.
Thaksin returned to Thailand aboard his private jet Monday afternoon, a day before the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Persons Holding Political Positions is due to rule on whether or not his jail sentence was properly enforced.
He departed the country for Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates, on a Bombardier Global 7500 jet with the tail number T7GTS on Sept 4, prompting speculation that he left the country to avoid having to serve time in prison if the court ruled against him. He flew to Singapore on Sunday, before arriving at Bangkok's Don Mueang airport Monday, where he was welcomed by his sister Yaowapa and her husband, former prime minister Somchai Wongsawat.
His Mercedes-Maybach car arrived at the private jet terminal at 2.58pm and left the terminal at 3.05pm.
On Tuesday at 10am, Thaksin is scheduled to appear at the Supreme Court to hear the verdict in his case. He had earlier confirmed that he will attend in person.
Thaksin, 76, returned to the country on Aug 22, 2023, after spending more than 15 years in self-imposed exile abroad.
The de facto leader of the Pheu Thai Party was immediately sentenced to eight years in prison in three cases -- later reduced to one year by royal clemency -- for abuse of authority and conflict of interest while serving as prime minister.
Thaksin was taken to Bangkok Remand Prison on that day, but he only spent 13 hours there before he was moved to the Police General Hospital.
He stayed in a premium ward on the 14th floor of the hospital for six months, until he was paroled early in 2024 amid allegations that he was given privileged treatment by officials.
The source said there are three possible outcomes following the court's verdict On Tuesday.
In the first, if the transfer to the hospital is deemed lawful, and the court agrees that Thaksin was genuinely ill and moved according to proper procedures, Thaksin and other officials involved with his transfer will not spend any time in prison.
If the court finds that the corrections officers and doctors at the Police General Hospital mishandled the case without Thaksin's involvement, then they will face punishment, while Thaksin avoids further consequences.
However, if the court finds the transfer was done based on falsified records, and that Thaksin was not actually critically ill, the officials and doctors will face criminal charges, and Thaksin might be ordered to serve a reduced term. That said, if the court finds any intent to deceive, the original eight-year sentence might be reinstated.
Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, leader of the opposition and the People's Party, stressed that Thaksin should accept the court's decision, regardless of the outcome, as the public wants to see him held accountable for his actions.
About 100 officers from Chana Songkhram Police Station and the Riot Control Unit will be deployed to maintain order at the court On Tuesday. The court has designated specific areas for the press, and only registered media are allowed to attend the session.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/po ... any-ruling
Thaksin's court verdict - and what it means
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Gaybutton
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Re: Thaksin's court verdict - and what it means
Seeing as he decided to return he must have received the deal he was looking for.
Watch for a light sentence with little or no jail time at all.
TIT
Watch for a light sentence with little or no jail time at all.
TIT
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Re: Thaksin's court verdict - and what it means
That is my thinking too. He did, to my surprise, return, but I find it hard to believe he would have returned if he thought a harsh penalty was possible. I can't help the feeling that he already knows what the court outcome will be. We'll see. We may know the outcome as soon as this afternoon or evening.
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Re: Thaksin's court verdict - and what it means
Thaksin arrives at Supreme Court for hospital stay ruling
September 9, 2005
Thaksin Shinawatra arrived at the Supreme Court on Tuesday morning to hear the ruling on whether his prison sentence was properly enforced.
Wearing suit and a yellow necktie, Thaksin arrived in his Mercedes-Maybach car with his youngest child and former prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra in front of the court about 9.30am.
He was also accompanied by other family members and his lawyer. His political opponents including the ones who complained against his extended hospital stay were also present to hear the court’s ruling.
Thaksin returned from Dubai to Bangkok on Monday afternoon as he earlier promised when he left the country on Thursday night.
The Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Persons Holding Political Positions ordered him to be present for judgement on Tuesday.
Thaksin, 76, returned to Thailand on Aug 22, 2023, after more than 15 years of self-exile abroad.
The de facto leader of the Pheu Thai Party and billionaire was immediately sentenced to eight years in prison across three cases—later reduced to one year by royal clemency—for abuse of authority and conflict of interest while serving as prime minister prior to 2006.
He was taken to Bangkok Remand Prison immediately after his arrival but was moved to Police General Hospital the same night, only 13 hours after entering detention.
The former Manchester City Football Club owner remained in the hospital until early 2024, when he was paroled amid questions over whether he received privileged treatment.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/po ... tay-ruling
September 9, 2005
Thaksin Shinawatra arrived at the Supreme Court on Tuesday morning to hear the ruling on whether his prison sentence was properly enforced.
Wearing suit and a yellow necktie, Thaksin arrived in his Mercedes-Maybach car with his youngest child and former prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra in front of the court about 9.30am.
He was also accompanied by other family members and his lawyer. His political opponents including the ones who complained against his extended hospital stay were also present to hear the court’s ruling.
Thaksin returned from Dubai to Bangkok on Monday afternoon as he earlier promised when he left the country on Thursday night.
The Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Persons Holding Political Positions ordered him to be present for judgement on Tuesday.
Thaksin, 76, returned to Thailand on Aug 22, 2023, after more than 15 years of self-exile abroad.
The de facto leader of the Pheu Thai Party and billionaire was immediately sentenced to eight years in prison across three cases—later reduced to one year by royal clemency—for abuse of authority and conflict of interest while serving as prime minister prior to 2006.
He was taken to Bangkok Remand Prison immediately after his arrival but was moved to Police General Hospital the same night, only 13 hours after entering detention.
The former Manchester City Football Club owner remained in the hospital until early 2024, when he was paroled amid questions over whether he received privileged treatment.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/po ... tay-ruling
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Gaybutton
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Re: Thaksin's court verdict - and what it means
The verdict is in. Thaksin has been ordered to prison for 1 year. Upon reading of the verdict Thaksin was immediately taken into custody and had to change into prison attire.
The story is still breaking, so there will probably be more news later, such as which prison he will be sent to, whether he can be released pending appeal, whether he expected this outcome, whether he will really serve the time or still has something else up his sleeve.
It will also be interesting to see whether he will be treated like any other prisoner or will be given special accommodations, food, private toilet and shower facilities, special visitor privileges, or whatever.
Meanwhile it is much too soon to know how this will affect his political party or his own hold on power.
Obviously he could have stayed out of Thailand, lived lavishly, and never faced prison, but he did choose to return to Thailand and face the court consequences. We can only speculate as to why he decided as he did.
___________________________________________________________
Supreme Court orders Thaksin to return and serve one-year jail term
by THE NATION
September 9, 2025
The Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions has ruled in the “14th floor” case, ordering former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra to return and serve a one-year prison sentence.
The Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions on Tuesday (September 9) convened to deliver its ruling in the so-called “14th floor Police General Hospital” case involving former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.
The case centred on the enforcement of his final sentence and his right to medical treatment while in custody.
The court ordered both Thaksin and the Bangkok Remand Prison chief to attend the session in person.
Former Prime Minister Thaksin arrived at the Supreme Court at around 9.25am, entering through Gate 6 at the rear of the court under heavy security provided by the Metropolitan Police Bureau.
He was greeted by his lawyer, Winyat Chartmontree, as well as his daughters, former Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the youngest, and Pintongta Shinawatra Kunakornwong, the middle daughter, who accompanied him to the hearing.
Upon stepping out of his vehicle, Thaksin raised his hand to greet both the media and groups of red-shirt supporters who had gathered to show their encouragement. He did not give any remarks before proceeding into the court building.
From early morning, both Thai and international media had gathered to cover the Supreme Court’s ruling.
Several political figures also arrived to witness the proceedings, including former culture minister Sermsak Pongpanit, former finance minister Suchart Thada-Thamrongvech, former senator Somchai Sawaengkarn, and Thai Pakdee Party leader Warong Dechgitvigrom. Members of Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s personal team were also present to accompany and welcome Thaksin.
Thaksin had originally faced an eight-year prison sentence in connection with three corruption cases. This was later reduced to one year under a royal pardon.
On February 18 2024, he was released from Police General Hospital after qualifying for “special parole” under Corrections Department regulations.
However, questions arose over whether he had ever spent a night in prison. On the night of August 22, 2023, he was transferred out of Bangkok Remand Prison on grounds of a sudden medical emergency and admitted to Police General Hospital, where he remained until his parole release. He never returned to prison.
At around 11am on Tuesday, the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions ruled that former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra must return to prison to serve a one-year sentence, without deducting the 120 days he had spent receiving treatment at Police General Hospital. The ruling effectively resets the sentence from the beginning.
The court dismissed arguments concerning his medical condition, ruling that Thaksin’s transfer to the Corrections Department Hospital had been a unilateral decision by the hospital itself, not the result of any internal consultation. His subsequent transfer to the 14th floor of Police General Hospital was deemed to have been pre-arranged.
The court further rejected Thaksin’s claim that his royal pardon had already taken effect, noting that he had not been treated at the Corrections Department Hospital nor returned to prison after being transferred outside.
Thaksin listened to the verdict with a stern expression. Following the ruling, Corrections officials immediately provided him with inmate clothing to change into.
https://www.nationthailand.com/blogs/ne ... s/40055170
______________________________________________________
Thai court rules Thaksin Shinawatra must serve one year in jail
Thailand's Supreme Court on Tuesday ruled former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra must serve one year in prison, in another major blow for a powerful family that has dominated politics for two decades.
"Sending him to hospital was not legal, the defendant knows his sickness was not an urgent matter, and staying in hospital cannot count as a prison term," said the ruling read out by a judge.
Police would take Thaksin into custody, a Reuters reporter who attended the verdict said. The 76-year-old billionaire had yet to leave the courthouse.
Thaksin returned to Thailand on Aug 22, 2023, after more than 15 years of self-exile abroad.
The de facto leader of the Pheu Thai Party was immediately sentenced to eight years in prison across three cases—later reduced to one year by royal clemency—for abuse of authority and conflict of interest while serving as prime minister prior to 2006.
He was taken to Bangkok Remand Prison immediately after his arrival but was moved to Police General Hospital the same night, only 13 hours after entering detention.
The former Manchester City Football Club owner remained in the hospital until early 2024, when he was paroled amid questions over whether he received privileged treatment.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/po ... ar-in-jail
The story is still breaking, so there will probably be more news later, such as which prison he will be sent to, whether he can be released pending appeal, whether he expected this outcome, whether he will really serve the time or still has something else up his sleeve.
It will also be interesting to see whether he will be treated like any other prisoner or will be given special accommodations, food, private toilet and shower facilities, special visitor privileges, or whatever.
Meanwhile it is much too soon to know how this will affect his political party or his own hold on power.
Obviously he could have stayed out of Thailand, lived lavishly, and never faced prison, but he did choose to return to Thailand and face the court consequences. We can only speculate as to why he decided as he did.
___________________________________________________________
Supreme Court orders Thaksin to return and serve one-year jail term
by THE NATION
September 9, 2025
The Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions has ruled in the “14th floor” case, ordering former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra to return and serve a one-year prison sentence.
The Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions on Tuesday (September 9) convened to deliver its ruling in the so-called “14th floor Police General Hospital” case involving former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.
The case centred on the enforcement of his final sentence and his right to medical treatment while in custody.
The court ordered both Thaksin and the Bangkok Remand Prison chief to attend the session in person.
Former Prime Minister Thaksin arrived at the Supreme Court at around 9.25am, entering through Gate 6 at the rear of the court under heavy security provided by the Metropolitan Police Bureau.
He was greeted by his lawyer, Winyat Chartmontree, as well as his daughters, former Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the youngest, and Pintongta Shinawatra Kunakornwong, the middle daughter, who accompanied him to the hearing.
Upon stepping out of his vehicle, Thaksin raised his hand to greet both the media and groups of red-shirt supporters who had gathered to show their encouragement. He did not give any remarks before proceeding into the court building.
From early morning, both Thai and international media had gathered to cover the Supreme Court’s ruling.
Several political figures also arrived to witness the proceedings, including former culture minister Sermsak Pongpanit, former finance minister Suchart Thada-Thamrongvech, former senator Somchai Sawaengkarn, and Thai Pakdee Party leader Warong Dechgitvigrom. Members of Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s personal team were also present to accompany and welcome Thaksin.
Thaksin had originally faced an eight-year prison sentence in connection with three corruption cases. This was later reduced to one year under a royal pardon.
On February 18 2024, he was released from Police General Hospital after qualifying for “special parole” under Corrections Department regulations.
However, questions arose over whether he had ever spent a night in prison. On the night of August 22, 2023, he was transferred out of Bangkok Remand Prison on grounds of a sudden medical emergency and admitted to Police General Hospital, where he remained until his parole release. He never returned to prison.
At around 11am on Tuesday, the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions ruled that former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra must return to prison to serve a one-year sentence, without deducting the 120 days he had spent receiving treatment at Police General Hospital. The ruling effectively resets the sentence from the beginning.
The court dismissed arguments concerning his medical condition, ruling that Thaksin’s transfer to the Corrections Department Hospital had been a unilateral decision by the hospital itself, not the result of any internal consultation. His subsequent transfer to the 14th floor of Police General Hospital was deemed to have been pre-arranged.
The court further rejected Thaksin’s claim that his royal pardon had already taken effect, noting that he had not been treated at the Corrections Department Hospital nor returned to prison after being transferred outside.
Thaksin listened to the verdict with a stern expression. Following the ruling, Corrections officials immediately provided him with inmate clothing to change into.
https://www.nationthailand.com/blogs/ne ... s/40055170
______________________________________________________
Thai court rules Thaksin Shinawatra must serve one year in jail
Thailand's Supreme Court on Tuesday ruled former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra must serve one year in prison, in another major blow for a powerful family that has dominated politics for two decades.
"Sending him to hospital was not legal, the defendant knows his sickness was not an urgent matter, and staying in hospital cannot count as a prison term," said the ruling read out by a judge.
Police would take Thaksin into custody, a Reuters reporter who attended the verdict said. The 76-year-old billionaire had yet to leave the courthouse.
Thaksin returned to Thailand on Aug 22, 2023, after more than 15 years of self-exile abroad.
The de facto leader of the Pheu Thai Party was immediately sentenced to eight years in prison across three cases—later reduced to one year by royal clemency—for abuse of authority and conflict of interest while serving as prime minister prior to 2006.
He was taken to Bangkok Remand Prison immediately after his arrival but was moved to Police General Hospital the same night, only 13 hours after entering detention.
The former Manchester City Football Club owner remained in the hospital until early 2024, when he was paroled amid questions over whether he received privileged treatment.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/po ... ar-in-jail
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Re: Thaksin's court verdict - and what it means
Thaksin Shinawatra Vows to Serve Monarchy and Nation as He Returns to Prison
by THE NATION
September 9, 2025
The former premier expressed gratitude for a royal pardon, while a Supreme Court ruling ordered him to serve his remaining sentence
Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has been sent back to prison after a Supreme Court ruling, but not before issuing a defiant and grateful statement vowing to dedicate the rest of his life to serving Thailand and its monarchy.
In a dramatic development, the court overturned his prolonged stay at a police hospital, ordering him to serve the remainder of his one-year sentence at Bangkok Remand Prison.
The move brings to a close a period of uncertainty for the 76-year-old politician, who had returned to Thailand last year after 15 years in self-imposed exile.
Before his return to a correctional facility, a post was published on Thaksin's Facebook account, in which he expressed profound gratitude for a royal pardon that had previously reduced his original eight-year sentence.
He stated that the pardon, granted by King Maha Vajiralongkorn, was an "act of boundless kindness for both me and my family."
The post, shared by his team, read:
"Dear respected citizens,
With deep gratitude for the immense royal grace of His Majesty the King, who has granted me a royal pardon reducing my prison sentence to one year, this is an act of boundless kindness for both me and my family.
I humbly accept and am ready to undergo the process according to today's court order.
Throughout my time as Prime Minister from 2001 to 2006, I tried to push forward every policy to improve the quality of life for the people and change Thailand's political landscape so that political parties would compete based on their policies, creating a tangible democracy through the government's achievable results. This has been my greatest pride as a politician elected by the people.
Even though all the cases against me arose after the coup against my government in 2006, today I wish to look forward and bring a conclusion to everything that has happened—both the legal battles and any conflicts that have arisen from or are related to me.
https://www.nationthailand.com/news/politics/40055174
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Paetongtarn opens up after Thaksin’s court ruling, proud but worried for her father
by THE NATION
September 9, 2025
Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the daughter of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, tearfully expressed her feelings after the Supreme Court ordered her father to return to prison for one year.
Speaking to the press outside the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions, former Prime Minister Paetongtarn conveyed her family’s profound appreciation for the royal grace shown to her father, which resulted in his sentence being reduced to one year. She also thanked everyone for their support and well-wishes toward her father and the family.
Tearfully, she said, "Our family is deeply grateful for His Majesty’s royal pardon, and we feel this gratitude every day."
She spoke of her father’s continued role as a spiritual leader, both politically and in his work for the country. "He has always thought about and worked for the well-being of the nation, hoping to improve the lives of the people," she added.
Paetongtarn expressed her concern for her father, but also shared her pride in his numerous contributions to the country. She highlighted the significant policies he implemented that greatly benefited the people of Thailand.
However, she acknowledged that today marks another chapter in history, with Thailand's first prime minister being sent to prison, a heavy and challenging moment.
Paetongtarn assured that her father and the family remain strong and optimistic. She also emphasised that both she and the Pheu Thai Party remain determined to carry out their duties as the opposition, holding the government accountable and continuing to serve the people. "The Pheu Thai Party remains strong, and we are grateful for the continued support from all sectors and the people who have stood by us," she added.
https://www.nationthailand.com/news/politics/40055176
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Re: Thaksin's court verdict - and what it means
Supreme Court jails Thaksin for one year, rejects illness claims
September 9, 2025
The Supreme Court on Tuesday morning ordered Thaksin Shinawatra to actually serve the year's imprisonment to which he was sentenced two years ago, rejecting his prolonged stay in hospital as part of his sentence.
The Supreme Court ordered Thaksin to serve his time at Bangkok Remand Prison.
Thaksin was present in court for the judgement, along with members of his family, opponents and reporters. Thaksin exited the court building in a white shirt and dark suit trousers, but without his jacket, and departed in a Department of Corrections van.
The court considered as illegitimate the transfer of Thaksin from Bangkok Remand Prison shortly after his arrival there on Aug 22, 2023 to the Police General Hospital after he complained of chest pain.
Thaksin had returned to Thailand on that same day after self-exile for 15 years. He stayed at Police General Hospital instead of in prison until his parole in early 2024.
According to the court, when Thaksin was sent to the Bangkok Remand Prison on Aug 22, 2023, a corrections doctor recommended he be examined outside the Medical Correctional Institution for spondylolisthesis (slipping spine bone), heart disease and hepatitis B as the corrections facility was not equipped to handle these ailments.
However, these health conditions were not emergency illnesses, the court said.
At 10pm on Aug 22, 2023, Thaksin told a nurse at the prison that he felt fatigued, had a slight weakness in his right leg, insomnia, chest pain and hypertension.
The nurse on duty requested his treatment outside the prison and a warder on duty approved the request.
Thaksin was then sent from the Bangkok Remand Prison to Police General Hospital, bypassing the Medical Correctional Institution that is only 200 metres away and had doctors on duty that night.
The court cited the Corrections Act and relevant ministerial regulations which required any ill inmates who deserved to be treated outside prison to be examined first, and without delay, by a doctor at the Medical Correctional Institution.
The transfer of Thaksin based on his chest pain complaint on the night of Aug 22, 2023, violated the law and regulations, the court said.
The Supreme Court dismissed the chest pain complaint from Thaksin, saying that when he was sent to Police General Hospital he was placed in a special patient room on the 14th floor of the Maha Bhumibol Rachanusorn 88th Birthday Anniversary Building.
He was not admitted to an emergency or accident unit. That violated the Police General Hospital's own regulations requiring that prison inmates with emergency illnesses be treated in its emergency and accident units.
On Aug 23, 2023, Thaksin was not treated by an electrocardiogram specialist, or a cardiologist. A cardiologist examined him on Aug 24, more than 24 hours later.
Police General Hospital treated Thaksin with bronchodilators and blood pressure medication on Aug 23.
The Medical Correctional Institution had that medication and was capable of doing electrocardiograms. Therefore, the institution was capable of treating Thaksin on the night of Aug 22, 2023, the court said.
The Supreme Court also said that Thaksin did not really suffer chest pain, but claimed to suffer it to ensure his transfer to Police General Hospital.
The court said that Thaksin’s condition from Aug 24, 2023, onwards could have been treated by the Medical Correctional Institution and he could have been returned to the institution on Aug 24, 2023.
According to the court ruling, from Aug 24, 2023, to Feb 18, 2024, when Thaksin was discharged from Police General Hospital, there were claims about his need for emergency surgery, stroke, cervical spondylosis, trigger finger and ruptured shoulder tendon due to an accident at Police General Hospital - all used to justify his extended stay at the hospital.
The Supreme Court said that such claimed conditions were not the causes cited for his transfer to Police General Hospital. In addition, Thaksin rejected neck surgery and decided to receive only relevant medication until his discharge from the hospital.
“This behaviour indicated that the defendant was aware that he had no emergency illnesses. The defendant only had underlying illnesses which could be treated as an outpatient without staying at Police General Hospital,” the court said.
The defendant “chose surgery for trigger finger and right shoulder tendon, which were not urgent cases but caused the defendant’s stay at Police General Hospital to be extended. The defendant thus benefited from the stay at Police General Hospital without having to return to detention at the Bangkok Remand Prison until he was released,” the court said.
Therefore, the court ordered his one-year imprisonment according to the commuted term under royal clemency. The royal pardon followed the Supreme Court's eight-year jail sentence for conflict of interest and abuse of authority while Thaksin was prime minister in the early 2000s.
The court said the stay at Police General Hospital could not be cited as Thaksin serving his prison term.
After the ruling, Thaksin said in a social media post on Tuesday that he accepted the ruling and was grateful for His Majesty the King’s great generosity in commuting his sentence to one year. He also wrote that when he was prime minister from 2001 to 2006 he tried to push policies to improve people’s lives.
His daughter Paetongtarn Shinawatra told reporters in front of the Supreme Court that she was proud of her father’s contributions to the national interest. She also pointed out that he is the first Thai prime minister to ever be sent to prison.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/po ... ess-claims
September 9, 2025
The Supreme Court on Tuesday morning ordered Thaksin Shinawatra to actually serve the year's imprisonment to which he was sentenced two years ago, rejecting his prolonged stay in hospital as part of his sentence.
The Supreme Court ordered Thaksin to serve his time at Bangkok Remand Prison.
Thaksin was present in court for the judgement, along with members of his family, opponents and reporters. Thaksin exited the court building in a white shirt and dark suit trousers, but without his jacket, and departed in a Department of Corrections van.
The court considered as illegitimate the transfer of Thaksin from Bangkok Remand Prison shortly after his arrival there on Aug 22, 2023 to the Police General Hospital after he complained of chest pain.
Thaksin had returned to Thailand on that same day after self-exile for 15 years. He stayed at Police General Hospital instead of in prison until his parole in early 2024.
According to the court, when Thaksin was sent to the Bangkok Remand Prison on Aug 22, 2023, a corrections doctor recommended he be examined outside the Medical Correctional Institution for spondylolisthesis (slipping spine bone), heart disease and hepatitis B as the corrections facility was not equipped to handle these ailments.
However, these health conditions were not emergency illnesses, the court said.
At 10pm on Aug 22, 2023, Thaksin told a nurse at the prison that he felt fatigued, had a slight weakness in his right leg, insomnia, chest pain and hypertension.
The nurse on duty requested his treatment outside the prison and a warder on duty approved the request.
Thaksin was then sent from the Bangkok Remand Prison to Police General Hospital, bypassing the Medical Correctional Institution that is only 200 metres away and had doctors on duty that night.
The court cited the Corrections Act and relevant ministerial regulations which required any ill inmates who deserved to be treated outside prison to be examined first, and without delay, by a doctor at the Medical Correctional Institution.
The transfer of Thaksin based on his chest pain complaint on the night of Aug 22, 2023, violated the law and regulations, the court said.
The Supreme Court dismissed the chest pain complaint from Thaksin, saying that when he was sent to Police General Hospital he was placed in a special patient room on the 14th floor of the Maha Bhumibol Rachanusorn 88th Birthday Anniversary Building.
He was not admitted to an emergency or accident unit. That violated the Police General Hospital's own regulations requiring that prison inmates with emergency illnesses be treated in its emergency and accident units.
On Aug 23, 2023, Thaksin was not treated by an electrocardiogram specialist, or a cardiologist. A cardiologist examined him on Aug 24, more than 24 hours later.
Police General Hospital treated Thaksin with bronchodilators and blood pressure medication on Aug 23.
The Medical Correctional Institution had that medication and was capable of doing electrocardiograms. Therefore, the institution was capable of treating Thaksin on the night of Aug 22, 2023, the court said.
The Supreme Court also said that Thaksin did not really suffer chest pain, but claimed to suffer it to ensure his transfer to Police General Hospital.
The court said that Thaksin’s condition from Aug 24, 2023, onwards could have been treated by the Medical Correctional Institution and he could have been returned to the institution on Aug 24, 2023.
According to the court ruling, from Aug 24, 2023, to Feb 18, 2024, when Thaksin was discharged from Police General Hospital, there were claims about his need for emergency surgery, stroke, cervical spondylosis, trigger finger and ruptured shoulder tendon due to an accident at Police General Hospital - all used to justify his extended stay at the hospital.
The Supreme Court said that such claimed conditions were not the causes cited for his transfer to Police General Hospital. In addition, Thaksin rejected neck surgery and decided to receive only relevant medication until his discharge from the hospital.
“This behaviour indicated that the defendant was aware that he had no emergency illnesses. The defendant only had underlying illnesses which could be treated as an outpatient without staying at Police General Hospital,” the court said.
The defendant “chose surgery for trigger finger and right shoulder tendon, which were not urgent cases but caused the defendant’s stay at Police General Hospital to be extended. The defendant thus benefited from the stay at Police General Hospital without having to return to detention at the Bangkok Remand Prison until he was released,” the court said.
Therefore, the court ordered his one-year imprisonment according to the commuted term under royal clemency. The royal pardon followed the Supreme Court's eight-year jail sentence for conflict of interest and abuse of authority while Thaksin was prime minister in the early 2000s.
The court said the stay at Police General Hospital could not be cited as Thaksin serving his prison term.
After the ruling, Thaksin said in a social media post on Tuesday that he accepted the ruling and was grateful for His Majesty the King’s great generosity in commuting his sentence to one year. He also wrote that when he was prime minister from 2001 to 2006 he tried to push policies to improve people’s lives.
His daughter Paetongtarn Shinawatra told reporters in front of the Supreme Court that she was proud of her father’s contributions to the national interest. She also pointed out that he is the first Thai prime minister to ever be sent to prison.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/po ... ess-claims
Re: Thaksin's court verdict - and what it means
Once we get past the "Optics Phase" with this staged verdict we'll be able to see what penalty he actually gets. I wouldn't be surprised if the deal included a sentence reduction or possibly being transferred to "home arrest" or some other sort of slap on the wrist action.
I hope I'm wrong - because he should have to pay the piper like any other criminal would.
I hope I'm wrong - because he should have to pay the piper like any other criminal would.
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Gaybutton
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Re: Thaksin's court verdict - and what it means
So far, according to the news reports, that is what is happening. Of course we have no way of knowing how he is being treated in prison or if it will stay that way. He is in the Bangkok Remand Prison, not the infamous Klong Prem. That in itself is somewhat of a privilege, although I don't know how much better the Remand Prison might be. I wouldn't want to be in either of them. I don't know if elderly prisoners are treated any differently from young prisoners. Thaksin is 76 years old.
I think it won't be long until the news comes out with reports of his accommodations, treatment, medical care, food, visitor privileges, etc. Then we'll see.
I also think he did not expect to have to go to prison. I believe he expected some sort of parole, suspended sentence, home confinement, or something other than actual prison. I wonder if he expects to have to remain in prison for the full year or expects an early release. I suspect being sentenced to a year in prison was not what he thought was going to happen. Since the sentence was handed down by Thailand's highest court, I don't think the ruling can be appealed or if he would appeal it if he could. I am no Thai legal scholar, so I am only guessing.
He made his choice to return to Thailand to face whatever the court ruled. I was taken very much by surprise he did so considering he could have remained out of Thailand to live a life of lavish luxury. But whatever his motivation was, this is what happened.
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Gaybutton
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Re: Thaksin's court verdict - and what it means
Klong Prem Prison is one of Thailand's most notorious prisons, if not the most notorious. I can't imagine this is anywhere Thaksin would want to be - unless he is receiving some sort of special privileges. However, there is no news or evidence that Thaksin is being treated any differently from the rest of the prisoners.
I wonder if he now regrets his decision to return to Thailand.
As further details emerge, they will be posted.
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Thaksin to serve year-sentence in Bangkok’s Klong Prem Central Prison
September 10, 2025
The Department of Corrections has transferred former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra to Bangkok's Klong Prem Central Prison in Chatuchak district, where he will serve his one-year sentence.
The Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions on Tuesday committed Thaksin to Bangkok Remand Prison to serve out his 12-month sentence. The prison serves as a hub facility.
He was transfered to Klong Prem prison on Tuesday evening after the remand prison governor took Thaksin through the admission process required for all new inmates under standard operating procedures.
Warders verified his identity, made a record, searched him, checked his health condition and checked-in his belongings.
Thaksin was informed of the regulations and taken to the reception area of the Bangkok Remand Prison for an inmate classification process.
At 5.30pm on Tuesday the administration of Bangkok Remand Prison sent Thaksin to Klongprem Central Prison because he has been convicted. The transfer complied with proper treatment procedures accorded for different types of inmates, the Department of Corrections said.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/po ... ral-prison
I wonder if he now regrets his decision to return to Thailand.
As further details emerge, they will be posted.
____________________________________________________________
Thaksin to serve year-sentence in Bangkok’s Klong Prem Central Prison
September 10, 2025
The Department of Corrections has transferred former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra to Bangkok's Klong Prem Central Prison in Chatuchak district, where he will serve his one-year sentence.
The Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions on Tuesday committed Thaksin to Bangkok Remand Prison to serve out his 12-month sentence. The prison serves as a hub facility.
He was transfered to Klong Prem prison on Tuesday evening after the remand prison governor took Thaksin through the admission process required for all new inmates under standard operating procedures.
Warders verified his identity, made a record, searched him, checked his health condition and checked-in his belongings.
Thaksin was informed of the regulations and taken to the reception area of the Bangkok Remand Prison for an inmate classification process.
At 5.30pm on Tuesday the administration of Bangkok Remand Prison sent Thaksin to Klongprem Central Prison because he has been convicted. The transfer complied with proper treatment procedures accorded for different types of inmates, the Department of Corrections said.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/po ... ral-prison