Latest news with #Thaksin
The Star
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Thai court set to rule if Thaksin dodged jail with hospital stay
BANGKOK: A top Thai court is set to rule next month whether former premier Thaksin Shinawatra (pic) effectively served a one-year prison term that he spent in a hospital, with an unfavourable verdict potentially sending the ruling party's de facto leader back to jail. The Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Persons Holding Political Positions will deliver its verdict at 10am on Sept 9, following the conclusion of a weeks-long trial that ended on Wednesday (July 30), according to Thaksin's lawyer Winyat Chatmontree. The case centres around Thaksin's controversial stay in Bangkok's police hospital after his 2023 return to Thailand, following 15 years in exile. The two-time former prime minister didn't spend a single day of his royally-commuted sentence for corruption in prison, but was instead lodged in the hospital for various illnesses before being released on parole. Winyat declined to say whether the court could send Thaksin back to jail if it rules that he has not properly served his time. Thaksin is required to be present for the ruling along with the chief of the Bangkok remand prison, according to the court. Thaksin's return was seen as part of a deal with his former foes in the conservative establishment to help them stay in power following the general election in 2023. He had previously been convicted in three corruption cases dating back to his tenure as prime minister from 2001 until his ouster in a 2006 coup. He fled the country in 2008 and was sentenced in absentia to eight years in prison. The court's scrutiny of Thaksin's hospital stay comes amid a wave of legal challenges targeting the Shinawatra family. His daughter, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, was suspended earlier this month by the Constitutional Court, which is reviewing whether she violated ethical standards in her handling of a border dispute with Cambodia. On Wednesday, the court set Aug 4 as the final deadline for Paetongtarn to submit her response to the allegations before it starts deliberating on the case and issues a ruling later. Thaksin, now 76, also faces a verdict next month in a royal defamation case that could result in a prison sentence of up to 15 years. Thailand has a long history of political instability. Over the past two decades several prime ministers linked to Thaksin have been removed from office through court rulings or military coups. Paetongtarn's immediate predecessor, Srettha Thavisin, was dismissed by the Constitutional Court last year over allegations of ethical misconduct. - Bloomberg
Straits Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Straits Times
Thai court set to rule if Thaksin dodged jail with hospital stay
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox The court's scrutiny of former Thai premier Thaksin Shinawatra's hospital stay comes amid a wave of legal challenges targeting the Shinawatra family. BANGKOK – A top Thai court is set to rule in September whether former premier Thaksin Shinawatra effectively served a one-year prison term that he spent in a hospital, with an unfavourable verdict potentially sending the ruling party's de facto leader back to jail. The Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Persons Holding Political Positions will deliver its verdict at 10am on Sept 9, following the conclusion of a weeks-long trial that ended on July 30, according to Thaksin's lawyer Winyat Chatmontree. The case centres around Thaksin's controversial stay in Bangkok's police hospital after his 2023 return to Thailand, following 15 years in exile. The two-time former prime minister didn't spend a single day of his royally-commuted sentence for corruption in prison, but was instead lodged in the hospital for various illnesses before being released on parole. Mr Winyat declined to say whether the court could send Thaksin back to jail if it rules that he has not properly served his time. Thaksin is required to be present for the ruling along with the chief of the Bangkok remand prison, according to the court. Thaksin's return was seen as part of a deal with his former foes in the conservative establishment to help them stay in power following the general election in 2023. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore MHA to support HSA's crackdown on Kpod abusers and help in treatment of offenders: Shanmugam Business S'pore's economic resilience will face headwinds in second half of 2025 from tariffs, trade conflicts: MAS Business S'pore's Q2 total employment rises, but infocomm and professional services sectors see more job cuts Singapore Fewer than 1 in 5 people noticed suspicious items during MHA's social experiments Asia Powerful 8.8-magnitude quake in Russia's far east causes tsunami; Japan, Hawaii order evacuations Singapore Migrant workers who gave kickbacks to renew work passes were conservancy workers at AMK Town Council Asia Japan, Vietnam, EU contest terms of US tariff deals behind the scenes Singapore Escape, discover, connect: Where new memories are made He had previously been convicted in three corruption cases dating back to his tenure as prime minister from 2001 until his ouster in a 2006 coup. He fled the country in 2008 and was sentenced in absentia to eight years in prison. The court's scrutiny of Thaksin's hospital stay comes amid a wave of legal challenges targeting the Shinawatra family. His daughter, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, was suspended earlier in July by the Constitutional Court , which is reviewing whether she violated ethical standards in her handling of a border dispute with Cambodia. On July 30, the court set Aug 4 as the final deadline for Ms Paetongtarn to submit her response to the allegations before it starts deliberating on the case and issues a ruling later. Thaksin, now 76, also faces a verdict in August in a royal defamation case that could result in a prison sentence of up to 15 years. Thailand has a long history of political instability. Over the past two decades several prime ministers linked to Thaksin have been removed from office through court rulings or military coups. Ms Paetongtarn's immediate predecessor, Mr Srettha Thavisin, was dismissed by the Constitutional Court in 2024 over allegations of ethical misconduct. BLOOMBERG
Bloomberg
2 days ago
- Politics
- Bloomberg
Thai Court Set to Rule If Thaksin Dodged Jail With Hospital Stay
A top Thai court is set to rule next month whether former premier Thaksin Shinawatra effectively served a one-year prison term that he spent in a hospital, with an unfavorable verdict potentially sending the ruling party's de facto leader back to jail. The Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Persons Holding Political Positions will deliver its verdict at 10 a.m. on Sept. 9, following the conclusion of a weeks-long trial that ended on Wednesday, according to Thaksin's lawyer Winyat Chatmontree.
Irish Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- Irish Times
The Irish Times view on Thai-Cambodian conflict: tensions have not gone away
Ostensibly the bloody border exchanges over the last week between Cambodia and Thailand were about the revival of centuries-old territorial claims to ancient temples and surrounding areas. Over the years sporadic clashes have killed soldiers and civilians on both sides. The five-day-war, in which a ceasefire was declared on Monday, appears in reality to have sprung from a personal falling out between two of the region's erstwhile strongmen leaders, along with internal military/civilian tensions in Bangkok, and apparent Chinese willingness to see regional frailties tested. At least 38 are reported to have died in the conflict, while up to 300,000 have fled as refugees, Thailand, a US ally, hosts dozens of military exercises with American forces; China is the largest trading partner of both Thailand and Cambodia, which hosts a naval base largely funded by Beijing. In the end, an 'immediate, unconditional' ceasefire was brokered by Malaysia, with the assistance of US president Donald Trump's threats of trade consequences for both sides if they did not co-operate. There was also a nudge from China. The ceasefire may hold, but has done nothing to heal the instability that triggered the conflict. READ MORE In the background are two former prime ministers, Cambodia's longtime autocratic leader Hun Sen, and Thailand's populist Thaksin Shinawatra. They were once bosom buddies. Hun Sen, now succeeded by his son, Hun Manet, has long supported Thaksin's family during a power struggle with Thailand's military. The latter were delighted weeks ago to see courts oust Thaksin's daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, as prime minister over what was seen as a overly sycophantic leaked phone call to 'uncle' Hun. With the Hun-Thaksin relationship disappearing, nationalists in both militaries seized an opportunity to vent old grievances. Each side continues to accuse the other of initiating the attacks on contested temples. An uneasy peace is the best that can be hoped for.
Bangkok Post
3 days ago
- Politics
- Bangkok Post
Election Commission urged to disband coalition parties over Thaksin influence
A political activist lodged a complaint with the Election Commission (EC) on Tuesday urging it to disband seven political parties for allegedly allowing former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra to interfere in their internal affairs, in violation of the organic law on political parties. Nopparuj Vorachitwutthikun, a former core member of the Phirap Khao (White Dove) 2006 group, submitted a letter at the EC office requesting the commission rule on whether Thaksin's involvement constituted control or domination of the parties' operations, a possible breach of Sections 28 and 29 of the law. If found guilty, the seven parties — Pheu Thai, Chartthaipattana, Chart Pattana, Democrat, Kla Tham, United Thai Nation, and Prachachat — could face dissolution under Sections 92 and 93 of the constitution. Mr Nopparuj cited recent events including visits by key political figures to Thaksin's Chan Song La residence and an audio clip that led to the Constitutional Court suspending Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Thaksin's daughter, from performing her duties. Mr Nopparuj said the seven parties reportedly formed an alliance and held meetings at the Rosewood Hotel, which is linked to the Shinawatra family, raising serious concerns. The hotel is also sometimes used for meetings of the ruling Pheu Thai Party, he added. Statements made by Thaksin in interviews, social media posts, and public speeches could indicate that he has been influencing or directing political decisions within Pheu Thai, Mr Nopparuj said. He also questioned whether comments Thaksin made about the Thai-Cambodian border conflict could be interpreted as threatening national security. He further accused the seven coalition parties of failing to restrain Thaksin's actions, and instead appearing to support him, particularly through the party's executive board and cabinet ministers. Mr Nopparuj urged the EC to consider the matter seriously, saying the rule of law must be upheld. In a related development, the final hearing in Thaksin's legal case concerning his controversial stay in a premium ward on the 14th floor of the Police General Hospital is scheduled for Wednesday. The defence will call former deputy prime minister Wissanu Krea-ngam as its sole witness. The court has so far heard 30 witnesses over six hearings and is expected to set a date today to deliver its ruling.
