The Supreme Court in Bangkok ruled today that former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's transfer from prison to hospital treatment in 2023 was unlawful.

"The defendant was fully aware that his medical condition was not urgent and hospitalization could not be counted towards his prison sentence," the Supreme Court judge said.

The 5-judge panel also found that Thaksin intentionally prolonged his hospital stay. The Supreme Court ordered Thaksin to serve one year in prison and be taken to jail after the court session concluded.

Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra outside the Supreme Court in Bangkok, 9/9. Photo: AFP

Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra outside the Supreme Court in Bangkok, 9/9. Photo: AFP

Thaksin 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. The former prime minister was sentenced to 8 years in prison for abuse of power but was later granted a royal pardon, reducing his sentence to one year.

However, he only spent a few hours in prison before being transferred to a hospital for heart pain and chest tightness, sparking suspicion and a wave of protests. He received a royal pardon after six months, all of which were spent in a VIP hospital room.

Following the verdict, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Thaksin's daughter, thanked the King for reducing her father's sentence. She also affirmed that Thaksin and the Pheu Thai Party would continue their work. "My father's spirits are high," she said.

Thaksin's prison sentence is seen as another blow to the Shinawatra family, who are facing a political crisis. Paetongtarn lost her bid for 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.

Huyen Le (AFP, Reuters)