Thailand’s Supreme Court has ordered former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to serve a one-year prison sentence, ruling that his previous hospital stay did not count toward his corruption sentence.
The decision marks a major blow to the influential Shinawatra family, whose political dominance has shaped Thai politics for decades.
Thaksin, who returned to Thailand in 2023 after years in exile, was originally sentenced to eight years for corruption and abuse of power but spent minimal time in jail due to health claims.
The court’s ruling on Tuesday deemed his transfer to a hospital’s luxury wing unlawful, reigniting debates about privilege in Thailand’s justice system.
The Supreme Court’s decision centered on the “14th floor case,” named after the hospital wing where Thaksin stayed for six months after his 2023 conviction.
The court found that Thaksin’s medical condition was not critical, stating, “The defendant knows his sickness was not an urgent matter, and staying in hospital cannot count as a prison term.”
After a royal pardon reduced his sentence to one year, Thaksin was released on parole, but the court’s latest ruling mandates his return to prison.
The case, which involved scrutiny of medical records and testimony from 31 witnesses, has sparked widespread criticism, with many Thais arguing it highlights preferential treatment for the elite.
The ruling comes amid ongoing political turmoil for the Shinawatra family and their Pheu Thai party.
Thaksin’s daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, was recently ousted as prime minister over ethical violations, further weakening the family’s political standing.
She expressed concern for her father but affirmed the family’s resolve, stating, “My family and I are worried about him, but we are also proud of him.”
Thaksin, a polarizing figure since his 2001 election, vowed to continue supporting Thailand despite his imprisonment, saying, “even though I lose my physical freedom, I will still have freedom of thought for the benefit of my country and its people.”
As Thailand navigates a new political landscape under Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, the Shinawatra dynasty faces an uncertain future.