Crystal Charles
Thailand’s Supreme Court has ordered former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to serve a one-year prison sentence, ruling that his earlier hospital transfer was unlawful.
The 76-year-old ex-leader, who returned from years of exile in 2023, was originally sentenced to eight years for corruption and abuse of power. His sentence was later commuted to one year by royal pardon.
Thaksin spent less than a day in prison before being moved to the Police General Hospital, where he remained for six months citing heart problems, drawing sharp criticism from the public over privileged treatment.
On Tuesday, the Supreme Court declared that Thaksin’s condition did not warrant prolonged hospitalization. “He knew or could perceive that he was not in a critical or emergency condition,” the judge said.
The case, widely referred to as the “14th floor case” after the hospital ward where he stayed, has reignited debates about inequality before the law in Thailand.
Thaksin appeared in court alongside his daughter, Paetongtarn, greeting supporters with a smile. He later 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.”
Paetongtarn, who was recently removed from office after a leaked call with Cambodian leader Hun Sen, said she was worried for her father but that the family was in “good spirits.” She pledged to continue leading the Pheu Thai Party in opposition.
Thaksin, ousted in a 2006 military coup, spent years in self-imposed exile in Dubai before returning home. His legal troubles have continued against the backdrop of Thailand’s turbulent politics.
The ruling comes just a week after parliament elected Anutin Charnvirakul as prime minister, the country’s third leader in two years, following the collapse of the Pheu Thai-led coalition.