BANGKOK, Sept 9 (TNA) – Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra was escorted to Bangkok Remand Prison today, September 9, after the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions ordered his one-year imprisonment.
The action follows the court’s enforcement of a sentence against Thaksin, who was convicted on abuse of power charges. The charges date back to his time as prime minister.
After the ruling, his team posted on his social media account, stating that he humbly accepted the verdict. He expressed gratitude for the royal grace of His Majesty the King, who granted a pardon and reduced his prison sentence to one year. He also thanked the public for their support.
At around 11:50 AM, a motorcade arrived at the prison. The second vehicle in the convoy, a white prison van was carrying Thaksin.
According to standard protocol for new inmates, Thaksin will undergo a physical examination, be screened for any existing illnesses, and be quarantined for five days to prevent the spread of COVID-19. After the quarantine period, he will be moved to the main prison area.
The court ruled today that former Prime Minister Thaksin must serve a one-year prison term, effectively resetting his sentence. The court found his extended stay in a police hospital after his 2023 return from exile was unlawful, as his condition was not a critical emergency.
The ruling, which orders him to return to prison, is a major blow to the powerful Shinawatra family, coming just days after his daughter, Paetongtarn, was removed from the prime minister’s office by a separate court ruling. -819 (TNA)
