Thailand's Thairath newspaper reported that former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra arrived at Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok Tuesday evening. Officials then noticed a private jet preparing for departure.

Immigration officials subsequently saw Thaksin and his aides aboard the private jet. He stated he was en route to Hua Hin district in Prachuap Khiri Khan province. After checking his documents, they allowed the plane carrying Thaksin to take off.

Reuters, citing an anonymous source within the Pheu Thai party, confirmed that Thaksin had "gone to Singapore for a medical checkup." The process is expected to last two days, and the former prime minister plans to return to Thailand on 5/9. The source emphasized that the trip was for medical reasons, not to evade justice.

Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra in Bangkok on 22/8. Photo: AFP

Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra in Bangkok on 22/8. Photo: AFP

Winyat Chatmontree, Thaksin's lawyer, stated he was unaware that the former prime minister had left the country, but emphasized that the court had not prohibited him from doing so. "He has always said he will appear in court on 9/9," Winyat said.

Thaksin, 76, served as Thailand's prime minister from 2001 but was ousted in a 2006 military coup. He returned to Thailand in August 2023 after more than a decade in exile and was immediately arrested.

The former prime minister was sentenced to 8 years in prison for abuse of power but was granted a royal pardon, reducing his sentence to one year. He received treatment in the VIP section of a Bangkok hospital before being released in 2/2024. Several activist groups protesting against Thaksin have accused him of "receiving preferential treatment," pointing out that he has not served any prison time since returning to the country.

Next week, the Supreme Court of Thailand will rule on whether his hospitalization time will be counted towards his sentence.

Huyen Le (According to Reuters, Bangkok Post)