Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has announced his recovery from Covid-19 as he braces himself for a trial on charges of insulting the monarchy. Speaking to AFP on Wednesday, the 74-year-old confirmed his health status during a visit to a salon in central Bangkok, dispelling rumours that he had left the country.

 

Thaksin, who was ousted in a 2006 coup, is set to appear in court on June 18 to face charges under Thailand’s stringent lese-majeste laws. The case stems from comments he allegedly made in 2015 to South Korean media. Prosecutors had initially delayed summoning him due to his recent illness.

 

“I am recovered,” Thaksin told AFP, keeping his statements brief and refusing to discuss his upcoming trial. This low-key appearance in Bangkok underlined his presence in the country, putting to rest any speculation of his departure.

 

Post-coup, Thaksin spent 15 years in self-imposed exile before returning to Thailand in August last year.

 

His immediate arrest upon return was based on historic corruption and abuse-of-power charges. Notably, his homecoming coincided with his Pheu Thai party's formation of a coalition government with pro-military parties, fuelling rumours of a behind-the-scenes deal to reduce his prison sentence.

 

Indeed, shortly after his return, his jail term was slashed from eight years to one by royal decree, and he was granted parole in February. Despite ongoing chatter about another possible exile, current Prime Minister and fellow Pheu Thai member Srettha Thavisin dismissed these claims.

 

“I believe he is ready to fight,” Srettha told reporters on Tuesday, voicing his confidence in Thaksin's commitment to facing the judicial process.

 

Though Thaksin claims to have retired from politics, his frequent public appearances suggest he remains an influential figure within Thailand's political landscape, reported Agence France-Presse.

 

TOP: Thaksin Shinawatra. File photo

 

-- 2024-06-08

 

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Get well soon  Thaksin

 

it seems nothing can take this man down.

Oooo I don't know! He looks pretty seedy still!

Taksin physically sick?  Will be win a Thai acting award his year?

Good.  Fit enough to go to jail on his LM charge.  He is an obvious flight risk and should not be given bail.

Not my business, I read all this and I smile, it is a Thai Watergate or a Vaudeville.

Thailand sinking in it's own mire.... 

7 hours ago, webfact said:

the 74-year-old confirmed his health status during a visit to a salon

renewing that black hair color

I am confused, if he deflamed the Royal family why we're they so quick to issue a Royal pardon

He is not worrying about any jail time. Look at the guy had the highlife living great from the billions he stole for 15 years. He comes back. He’s in jail for less than an hour. I really even locked up and he’s in a hospital in a suite, his sentencing gets reduced from eight years so I don’t know a few months. He’s back in action TT. 

What a pity 

1 hour ago, Almer said:

I am confused, if he deflamed the Royal family why we're they so quick to issue a Royal pardon

"defamed"?

9 hours ago, webfact said:

I believe he is ready to fight,” Srettha told reporters on Tuesday, voicing his confidence in Thaksin's commitment to facing the judicial process.

They meant to say his confidence to face this case knowing full well he will not go to jail for it. 

There isn’t a lot that can be said in his defence. 

Next month he recovers from dengue...

Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Recovers from Covid
 

Former?

3 hours ago, sambum said:

"defamed"?

"were" ?

hope he is convicted and flees again

 

for stealing the elections from the party that actually won and wanted to change this ridiculous outdated law

16 hours ago, JimHuaHin said:

Taksin physically sick?  Will be win a Thai acting award his year?

Yes, it's a for gone conclusion 

The same institution that gave him a lifeline is now targeting him. He must’ve stepped outside the agreement boundaries negotiated for his pardon. Narcissists have difficulty restraining themselves. 

I'm taking bets that on the 17th of this month, the day before his trail starts that he gets sick again,, or he needs to leave or he's too sick to stand trail or whatever he wants to say to not be heald accountable for anything he has done. 

I look forward to the reappearance of the neck brace. 

What a Scammer 

17 hours ago, rwill said:

Next month he recovers from dengue...

And the following month Hoof and Mouth Disease 

Oh, the poor thing 😿

Maybe this is the beginning of the end of Lese Majesty law.

I certainly hope so.

Edited June 9, 20242 yr by Muhendis

I Imagine someone is happy that he recovered,It is news not really

Lies lies lies. He never had covid!