Thaksin's potential final journey or departure?

Thaksin Shinawatra, the former Prime Minister of Thailand, has announced his intention to return to the country on Monday, ahead of the Supreme Court's ruling on his prison sentence. This announcement comes after a series of unexpected events that have sparked political speculation and suspicion.

On Thursday, it was reported that Thaksin would return to Thailand to hear the court's decision on Wednesday. However, his flight was rerouted to Dubai due to delays at Thai immigration and the closing hours of Singapore's Seletar Airport. This sudden diversion has reignited suspicion among political opponents and commentators about Thaksin's intentions.

Thaksin has been abroad for medical treatment, seeking consultations from pulmonary and orthopaedic specialists in Singapore and Dubai. He had doctors in Dubai who treated him when he lived there, and he will have updated check-ups from them. This is not the first time Thaksin has sought medical treatment abroad, raising questions about the legitimacy of his health claims.

Critics have suspected Thaksin of exaggerating or fabricating illnesses to avoid doing proper jail time. In August 2023, Thaksin was sentenced to eight years in prison, but hours later he was transferred to the police hospital. Six months later, he became eligible for parole and was released. The court is now investigating whether Thaksin's prison sentence was properly carried out, as he never spent a single night behind bars.

The Supreme Court ruling concerns the enforcement of a one-year prison term, reduced from eight years through royal clemency. The court took an unusual move by looking into the issue, raising questions about the fairness and impartiality of the judicial process.

The Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions will hand down its judgement on Tuesday in a high-profile case regarding Thaksin's prison sentence. The fate of Thaksin's return remains uncertain, with Caretaker Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai urging the public to await official updates.

Political parties have weighed in on the issue. Palang Pracharath Party deputy leader Chaiwut Thanakamanusorn suggests Thaksin's Dubai trip is politically motivated, while Thai Pakdee Party leader Warong Dechgitvigrom accuses Thaksin of lacking sincerity towards the country and predicts he will not honor his pledge to appear in court.

A Medical Council of Thailand investigation concluded that Thaksin had help from some doctors. This revelation has added fuel to the fire, with many questioning the legitimacy of Thaksin's medical claims and his intentions for returning to Thailand.

As the country awaits the Supreme Court's ruling, the political landscape remains tense, with Thaksin's return adding a new layer of complexity to an already contentious issue.