Former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra appeared before the Supreme Court in Bangkok on Saturday to hear a ruling on his 2023 transfer from prison to hospital treatment. The court's decision could see him return to prison.

Wearing a suit and gold tie, Thaksin, accompanied by his family including his daughter Paetongtarn, recently ousted from the prime minister position, bowed to hundreds of reporters outside the court.

This was Thaksin's first public appearance since returning to Bangkok on 8/9. Four days earlier, just before the Thai House of Representatives voted for a new prime minister, Thaksin left Thailand for Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for medical treatment, promising to return for the court hearing.

Former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra greets people upon arrival at the Supreme Court in Bangkok on 9/9. Photo: AFP

Former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra greets people upon arrival at the Supreme Court in Bangkok on 9/9. Photo: AFP

In 2023, Thaksin ended 15 years in exile, only to spend a few hours in prison before being transferred to a hospital for chest pains and a racing heart, sparking suspicion and a wave of protests. His 8-year sentence, related to conflict of interest and abuse of power charges, was reduced to one year by the king. He was pardoned after six months, having spent the entire time in a VIP hospital room.

The Supreme Court will determine whether the time Thaksin spent at the Police General Hospital in Bangkok from 2023-2024 counts towards his sentence.

The court has seized medical records and summoned 20 witnesses, including former prison officials and Thaksin's doctors. The Medical Council of Thailand suspended two doctors for providing false medical documents, and a prison doctor received a warning for not meeting medical standards when recommending Thaksin's transfer.

Thaksin Shinawatra with his daughter Paetongtarn outside the Supreme Court on 9/9. Photo: AFP

Thaksin Shinawatra with his daughter Paetongtarn outside the Supreme Court on 9/9. Photo: AFP

A source close to Thaksin revealed to the Bangkok Post that he had considered three possible court outcomes and was prepared to accept any ruling.

First, if the court deems his hospital transfer legitimate and medically justified, Thaksin and related officials will not face further charges. Second, the court might find errors in the transfer decision but attribute responsibility to officials and doctors, absolving Thaksin. This would also clear the former prime minister.

The third scenario involves the court concluding that the medical records were falsified and Thaksin was not critically ill when transferred. In this case, everyone involved could face prosecution, and Thaksin could serve additional time, potentially reinstating his original 8-year sentence if the court determines intent to deceive.

Opposition leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut emphasized that Thaksin must respect the court's decision to meet public expectations of accountability.

The Shinawatra family is facing a political crisis. Paetongtarn Shinawatra lost her position as prime minister 11 days ago, becoming the sixth prime minister from or backed by the Shinawatra family to be ousted by the courts or the military.

The Pheu Thai-led coalition government collapsed last week, after rival Anutin Charnvirakul was elected prime minister by parliament, marking a significant setback for the party that once dominated Thai politics under Thaksin.

Thanh Danh (Reuters, AFP, Bangkok Post)