Thailand’s Supreme Court has ruled that former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra must serve one year in prison, ending years of legal battles and controversy surrounding his previous corruption convictions.
The 76-year-old political figure was earlier sentenced to eight years in jail for corruption and abuse of power. However, he spent less than 24 hours behind bars before being moved to a hospital due to claimed heart problems.
The court has now declared that Thaksin’s transfer to a luxury hospital wing was unlawful and that he must return to jail. The judge said Thaksin was not critically ill and should have been treated as an outpatient instead of receiving special treatment.
This case became known as the “14th Floor Case,” referring to the exclusive hospital floor where he stayed. It has been widely criticized as a symbol of elite privilege in Thailand’s justice system.
Thaksin became Thailand’s Prime Minister in 2001, launching popular policies that gained him massive support, especially among the rural poor.
He was overthrown in a military coup in 2006 and lived in self-exile for 15 years, mainly in Dubai.
In 2023, he returned to Thailand, was arrested, and immediately sentenced.
However, he only spent hours in a jail cell before claiming medical issues and being transferred to hospital.
Later, a royal pardon reduced his sentence from eight years to just one year.
He was granted parole after six months and has been living at home in Bangkok—until now.
Thaksin arrived at court on Tuesday with his daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, a rising political figure. Both smiled and greeted supporters.
Paetongtarn told reporters: “I’m worried about my father, but we remain strong as a family.”
She said she will continue leading the Pheu Thai Party, which is now in opposition.
Just last week, Thaksin flew to Dubai for what he said was medical treatment but promised to return for the hearing. His return raised questions about whether he truly intended to face justice.
Thailand has been facing political instability:
Paetongtarn was removed from office recently after a leaked phone call with Cambodian leader Hun Sen about border issues.
She addressed him as “uncle,” which critics said was inappropriate.
A court found she had violated ethical standards.
A new Prime Minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, was chosen just last week—the third PM in two years.
Many Thai citizens have expressed frustration at the system:
They say the rich and powerful get special treatment.
The ruling may restore some public trust in the judiciary, but criticism continues.
