"Thaksin Shinawatra, the former prime minister of Thailand, abruptly left the country Thursday, ahead of a court ruling that could send him to prison. His departure came just hours before a parliamentary vote for the next prime minister, following the removal of his daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, from office over an ethics violation. The Supreme Court is expected to deliver a verdict Tuesday that could result in Thaksin's imprisonment."
"Thaksin told officials he was flying to Singapore for medical reasons, but his jet diverted mid-flight and landed in Dubai, where he previously lived in exile. On Friday morning, he took to social media to say he would return to attend the hearing on Tuesday. Thaksin served as Thailand's prime minister until a 2006 coup ousted him while he was abroad. He briefly returned in 2008 but fled again before a corruption verdict."
Thaksin Shinawatra flew to Dubai days before a Supreme Court ruling that could send him to prison, leaving Thailand just hours before a parliamentary vote for a new prime minister. His daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, was removed from office over an ethics violation, and the parliamentary vote proceeded amid questions about the Shinawatra family's influence. Thaksin told officials he was flying to Singapore for medical reasons, but his jet diverted and landed in Dubai, where he had previously lived in exile. The Supreme Court will decide whether the Corrections Department legally granted his early release, a ruling that could still produce jail time. Thaksin previously served as prime minister until a 2006 coup ousted him and returned in 2023 to serve a reduced sentence while being held in a hospital suite, prompting claims of special treatment. Since 2023 the Pheu Thai coalition linked to the Shinawatras held power, but recent court actions and public backlash have weakened the family's standing.
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