Thaksin Prepared to Assume Power in Any Form of Government

Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra Returns to Thailand

Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra returned to Thailand on Monday afternoon, marking an end to his more than 15-year self-imposed exile abroad. His private jet, a Bombardier Global 7500 with the tail number T7GTS, touched down at Bangkok's Don Mueang airport. He was welcomed by his sister Yaowapa and her husband, former prime minister Somchai Wongsawat.

Thaksin has been a contentious figure in Thai politics, having been convicted in three cases before his return, including a previous conviction related to a graft scandal. He was sentenced to prison terms, with one of the sentences being a one-year imprisonment decided by Thailand's highest court. The convictions involved corruption and other offenses linked to his premiership, resulting in his exile before his return attempt.

Upon his return, Thaksin was immediately sentenced to eight years in prison. However, this sentence was later reduced to one year by royal clemency. Thaksin's stay at a hospital prior to his parole was also a subject of controversy. He stayed in a premium ward on the 14th floor of the hospital for six months before being paroled early in 2024.

The court has designated specific areas for the press, and only registered media are allowed to attend the session. Thaksin is scheduled to appear at the Supreme Court on Tuesday at 10am to hear the verdict in his case. The court will determine whether Thaksin's transfer to the hospital was lawful. If the court agrees that he was genuinely ill and moved according to proper procedures, he and other officials involved will not spend any time in prison.

However, if the court finds the transfer was done based on falsified records, Thaksin might be ordered to serve a reduced term, and the officials and doctors will face criminal charges. If the court finds any intent to deceive, the original eight-year sentence might be reinstated.

In response to the ongoing legal proceedings, Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, leader of the opposition and the People's Party, stressed that Thaksin should accept the court's decision, regardless of the outcome.

To ensure order at the court on Tuesday, about 100 officers from Chana Songkhram Police Station and the Riot Control Unit will be deployed. The court hearing is expected to be a significant event in Thai politics.