Thailand’s Ex-PM Imprisoned For Corruption After Return From Exile

Former Prime Minister of Thailand, Thaksin Shinawatra, has recently re-entered Thailand’s domain after a span of 15 years of exile.

Following his arrival, Thaksin was escorted to Thailand’s Supreme Court and sentenced to 8 years imprisonment for corruption.

Previously while landing in Bangkok, Thaksin issued a statement through social media to communicate his intention of returning to Thailand. He requested “permission to live on the land of Thailand and share the air with Thai brothers and sisters.”

During his tenure as Prime Minister, he enjoyed widespread popularity among the rural underprivileged until his removal from power in 2006 through a military coup. He was accused of abuse of power and corruption that has been in self-imposed exile in London and Dubai since.

Despite the support he received on return to Thailand, Thaksin’s public appearance was brief, and he was subsequently accompanied to the Supreme Court. A statement from the court revealed that his cumulative sentences for 3 corruption cases amounted to a prison term of 8 years. The 74-year-old statesman currently finds himself detained at Bangkok Remand Prison, with authorities ensuring the provision of requisite medical care.

Shortly after Thaksin’s resurgence, the Thai Parliament designated Srettha Thavisin as the nation’s new prime minister. This decision comes after a 3-month delay, Srettha, a former president of a high-end real estate development firm and a current member of the Pheu Thai party, is now tasked with forming a coalition government that includes the factions responsible for the governmental overturns in 2006 & 2014.

Pheu Thai stated that Thaksin’s imprisonment and Srettha’s election are not linked.