BANGKOK, Sept 5 (TNA) – Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra claimed he was delayed by immigration officials at a Bangkok airport, forcing him to change his travel plans and fly to Dubai instead of Singapore.
This incident occurred just days before he is scheduled to appear in court on September 9.
Thaksin posted a statement on X, explaining his change of plans. He said he intended to fly to Singapore for a medical appointment but was held up by Thai immigration for nearly two hours. This delay caused his private jet to miss its landing slot in Singapore, prompting him to reroute the flight to Dubai. He stated he also has regular doctors in Dubai and wanted to visit friends.
The incident began when Thaksin arrived at Don Mueang Airport and officials seized his passport for verification. The delay was initially linked to a past travel ban concerning a lèse-majesté case, but authorities later confirmed he was legally allowed to travel after being acquitted in that case on August 22. A police source stated that immigration had no authority to detain him without a warrant.
Thaksin reiterated that he will return to Thailand by September 8 to appear in court on September 9 for a separate case. His lawyer confirmed that Thaksin intends to attend the hearing. The court date is a summons, not an arrest warrant, meaning there are no legal restrictions on his travel.
After 15 years in self-imposed exile to avoid a jail term for corruption, Thaksin Shinawatra returned to Thailand in 2023. He was sentenced to eight years but was immediately transferred to a hospital, where he remained for six months.
Following a royal pardon that reduced his sentence to one year, he was released on parole. The Supreme Court will decide on Tuesday whether his hospital stay counts as time served. If not, he could be sent back to prison. -819 (TNA)
