Thaksin Shinawatra jailed by Thailand supreme court for one year in major blow to former prime minister
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Thaksin Shinawatra jailed by Thailand supreme court for one year in major blow to former prime minister
"Thaksin's lawyer has insisted that the former leader was sick during his hospital stay, and that he has completely served his sentence. Thaksin, 76, attended court on Tuesday, wearing a suit and yellow tie, the colour associated with Thailand's powerful monarchy. He had suddenly left the country days earlier, prompting a frenzy of speculation that he might flee into exile once again. However he said in a statement he had gone abroad for a medical appointment."
"Tuesday's verdict is the last of several recent court cases affecting his embattled family, one of the most prominent dynasties in Thai politics. Last month the constitutional court removed his daughter former prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra from her position, saying she had violated ethical rules during her handling of a border dispute. In the lead up to Tuesday's verdict, the supreme court examined Thaksin's medical records and summoned 20 witnesses, including a former head of the corrections department and physicians who treated him."
Thaksin Shinawatra received a one-year jail sentence from the supreme court over claims he did not properly serve a prior corruption and abuse-of-power sentence. He was originally sentenced to eight years upon returning from self-imposed exile in 2023, but spent less than 24 hours in prison before transfer to a VIP hospital where he remained for six months and was later released on parole. The hospital stay drew widespread controversy and questions about the seriousness of his health condition. His return coincided with Pheu Thai forming an unlikely coalition with military-linked parties. A constitutional court removed his daughter Paetongtarn from office; the supreme court reviewed medical records and summoned 20 witnesses. Thailand's medical council has suspended two.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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