Thaksin Shinawatra Makes Surprise Departure from Thailand Ahead of Court Ruling

Thaksin Shinawatra, Thailand's former Prime Minister, made a surprise departure from the country on Thursday, ahead of a court ruling that could lead to a new prison sentence. His daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, was removed from her position as Prime Minister last week for an ethics violation. Parliament is set to vote on a new Prime Minister on Friday, which many see as the end of Thaksin's political machine's 20-year power. Thaksin told authorities his plane was headed to Singapore but flew to India and then Dubai. He intends to return to Thailand to appear in court on Tuesday.

Thailand's former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra made a sudden and unexpected departure from the country on Thursday, just days before a court ruling that could potentially send him back to prison. His move comes at a critical juncture for his political dynasty, following the removal of his daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, from her position as Prime Minister last week [1].

Paetongtarn was ousted by the Constitutional Court for an ethics violation stemming from a politically compromising phone call with Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen. Parliament is set to vote on a new Prime Minister on Friday, marking a significant shift in Thailand's political landscape [1].

Thaksin, who had been living in self-exile in Dubai since 2008, informed Thai immigration authorities at Bangkok's Don Mueang Airport that his private jet was headed to Singapore for a medical appointment. However, flight-tracking data revealed that the plane initially flew south toward Singapore before abruptly turning west and continuing toward India, ultimately heading to Dubai [2].

In a statement issued on Friday, Thaksin explained that he had to change his plans due to a delay in his departure by Thai immigration authorities. He stated that he intended to return to Thailand by Tuesday to attend the Supreme Court's verdict in person [1].

Thaksin's sudden departure has raised eyebrows, particularly given his history of legal troubles. He was previously convicted on corruption charges but did not serve any prison time and received a royal pardon in 2009. His return to Thailand in 2023 to begin an eight-year sentence for graft and abuse of power was also met with controversy [3].

The upcoming Supreme Court ruling is expected to determine if the Corrections Department acted legally in its handling of Thaksin's case. If found to be complicit in any wrongdoing, Thaksin could face new charges that could result in a prison sentence [3].

Thaksin's departure from Thailand has significant implications for the country's political stability and the future of his political machine, which has wielded considerable influence over the past two decades. The upcoming court ruling will likely shape the trajectory of his legal and political battles moving forward.

References:
[1] https://www.nytimes.com/2025/09/04/world/asia/thailand-thaksin-shinawatra-dubai.html
[2] https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/thailands-former-prime-minister-thaksin-makes-surprise-departure-125267236
[3] https://www.newsday.com/news/nation/thaksin-shinawatra-hospital-constitutional-court-politics-g86475