Thai ex-PM Paetongtarn says Thaksin’s family is concerned

Thai ex-PM Paetongtarn says Thaksin’s family is concerned

Thailand's Supreme Court has ordered former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to return to prison for one year, ruling that his six-month hospital stay was a means to evade his earlier sentence. This decision is a significant blow to Thaksin's political clout, coming at a time when his political dynasty is facing considerable turmoil [2].

Thaksin, who was initially sentenced to eight years in prison on charges of corruption and abuse of power, returned to Thailand in 2023. His subsequent hospital stay, which was later deemed by the Medical Council to be questionable, has been a point of contention. The Supreme Court's ruling suggests that the royalist establishment is exerting control over Thaksin's fate, despite his claims of genuine illness [1].

The court's decision comes as Thaksin's daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, was recently removed from her position as prime minister by the Constitutional Court. The court found her guilty of ethical lapses after a leaked phone call with Cambodia's de facto leader, Hun Sen, showed her appearing deferential [1].

Thaksin's return to prison is expected to further destabilize Thailand's political landscape. His political party, Pheu Thai, has been weakened by these recent events, and the future of his political dynasty remains uncertain. Investors and financial professionals should closely monitor the situation, as political instability can have significant economic implications.

References:
[1] https://www.nytimes.com/2025/09/08/world/asia/thailand-thaksin-verdict.html
[2] https://asia.nikkei.com/politics/turbulent-thailand/thai-supreme-court-orders-thaksin-shinawatra-to-return-to-prison-for-1-year