Politics Court Thwarts Thaksin's Trump Meeting: No Qatar Trip Allowed

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Pictures courtesy of AFP published by CNA and Thai Rath

 

In a firm decision today, the Criminal Court on Ratchadapisek Road, Bangkok, refused to permit Thaksin Shinawatra to travel to Qatar, where he was slated to potentially meet U.S. President Donald Trump.

 

Despite being accompanied by Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa, Thaksin's request was deemed a personal matter, with the court dismissing any official agenda for talks with Trump. This ruling comes amid ongoing legal troubles for Thaksin, including a lawsuit tied to Thailand's strict lese majeste law, which frowns upon criticism of the monarchy.

 

The court's inquiry revealed Thaksin was invited to a dinner hosted by Qatar's Lusail Palace, with hopes, but no confirmation, of engaging in discussions with Trump and his economic team.

 

The invitation was personal, not relating to his advisory role to Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, despite Ibrahim's standing as ASEAN’s president this year. While Thaksin anticipated a high-profile encounter, no definitive meeting details were established.

 

The timing of this trip raised eyebrows, coinciding closely with an upcoming Supreme Court trial concerning Thaksin's alleged involvement in remarks linking the monarchy to his 2006 ousting. The case asserts Thaksin’s comments during a Seoul interview.

 

With strong legal implications hovering, the court prioritised the impact of Thaksin's travel on case proceedings over potential diplomatic benefits. Thaksin remains under scrutiny, with the lese majeste violation charges threatening to cloud his future political aspirations and international relations.

 

As legal challenges persist for the influential Pheu Thai figure, the future remains uncertain. With no permission to leave the country and significant trials ahead, Thaksin's ability to navigate these hurdles will be pivotal to his political trajectory and personal freedoms.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thai Newsroom 2025-05-09

 

 

[phil2407]

👍 good decision 

[Artisi]

37 minutes ago, phil2407 said:

👍 good decision 

Is it? 

it might be a repeat of his last overseas escape plan to avoid any nasty and upsetting criminal court findings against his holiness.

If he didn't return, Thailand would be a better place without him - plus we wouldn't have to put up with the ongoing drama each and everyday of Thaksin this, Thaksin what ad infinitum.