Thailand’s Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra Departs Ahead of Key Legal and Political Decisions
Thailand’s former prime minister, Thaksin Shinawatra, left the country on Thursday, according to police, just before a parliamentary vote to select a new leader and ahead of a court ruling that could send him back to prison.
Many in Thailand followed the route of Thaksin’s private jet using flight tracking websites late into the evening. Reports emerged on Thursday that he had arrived at Bangkok’s Don Mueang Airport, with local media stating he was briefly questioned by immigration officials. Thai news sources indicated he was scheduled to visit Singapore for two days for medical reasons.
Authorities confirmed no court order barred him from traveling, and his plane departed after checks, police said in a statement.
As news of his departure spread, speculation surged online. Some speculated he might fly to Dubai, where he had previously lived in self-imposed exile to avoid legal charges related to abuse of power and conflicts of interest.
His trip abroad comes shortly before a court ruling that could result in his imprisonment—and just before parliament was set to vote on a successor to his daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who was recently removed as prime minister.
Thousands tracked the flight path as the plane traveled south over the Gulf of Thailand and crossed into Malaysian airspace. Instead of landing in Singapore, it unexpectedly turned west and circled twice, fueling further discussion.
Aviation experts appeared in Thai media, analyzing the flight’s trajectory, fuel capacity, and possible destinations as the story dominated headlines.
One social media user joked, "Dear Passenger, your captain is flying in circles to entertain Flightradar viewers, please wave your hands." Shortly after, the plane adjusted its course toward India.
Thaksin had lived abroad for over 15 years before returning to Thailand in 2023 following an uneasy agreement with his long-standing rivals in the military and royalist circles. The arrangement allowed both sides to form a government, sidelining a popular reformist party.
Upon his return, Thaksin was initially sentenced to eight years in prison, later reduced to one year by royal pardon. Citing health issues, he spent just hours in detention before being transferred to a hospital for six months. He was later released on parole.
That decision is now under judicial review, with a ruling expected next week. If the court finds his sentence was not properly served, he may be ordered back to prison.
Early Friday, Thaksin posted on social media, stating he would return by Monday and attend court in person on Tuesday for the verdict. He dismissed online speculation, confirming his visit to Singapore was for a medical appointment with a doctor he had seen before.
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