BANGKOK, Sept 8 (TNA)- Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra returned to Thailand on Monday, landing at a private terminal inside Don Mueang Airport after a short trip to Dubai and Singapore.
His arrival was closely watched by the media as he exited the terminal and left in a motorcade.
Thaksin’s return comes a day before a crucial Supreme Court ruling on Tuesday regarding his six-month hospital stay as a prisoner deemed illegal by many.
At the time after returning from 15 years of self-imposed exile in 2023, he was sentenced to eight years in prison for abuse of power charges, which was later commuted to one year by a royal pardon. However, he was transferred to a police hospital on his first night, sparking widespread public debate and accusations of receiving preferential treatment.
The verdict on Tuesday will determine if his hospital stay counts as time served.
Last week, Thaksin took a sudden and unannounced jet flight to Dubai sparking a frenzy of speculation, especially since it came just days before a crucial Supreme Court ruling that could potentially send him back to prison.
Initially, he claimed that he intended to see a doctor in Singapore for a medical check-up, but flight tracking data showed his plane was later diverted to Dubai, where he had lived in self-imposed exile for many years. Thaksin stated on a social media post that an immigration delay in Bangkok forced the change in plans, and that he would return to Thailand in time for the court verdict.
This abrupt trip occurred a week after his daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, was removed from her position as prime minister by a court ruling. The timing of his departure, amidst political turmoil and an impending legal decision, fueled widespread rumors that he was fleeing the country to avoid further legal consequences..-819 (TNA)
