File photo for reference only

 

The Appeals Court has upheld a prior decision by the Criminal Court, denying former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's request to travel to Qatar for a high-profile banquet. The event, to be hosted by Amir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani at Lusail Palace, was intended for world leaders.

 

Reportedly, Thaksin's lawyer lodged the appeal following the Criminal Court's original rejection on May 8th, as shared by former Senator Somchai Sawangkarn on Facebook.

 

A critical factor in the decision was the absence of evidence that former US President Donald Trump planned to meet with Thaksin during the Qatar visit. Thaksin’s initial claim suggested a potential meeting with Trump and his economic team, which the courts found unsubstantiated.

 

The Criminal Court further noted that Thaksin’s invitation was in a personal capacity, not connected to his role as an advisor to Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, the ASEAN chairman.

 

The timing of Thaksin's requested trip closely precedes a significant Supreme Court enquiry scheduled for June 13th. This enquiry by the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions will assess whether Thaksin's prison sentence, linked to three separate corruption convictions, is being carried out, particularly in light of his prolonged stay at the Police General Hospital instead of prison.

 

All parties involved in the cases, including the prosecutors, Thaksin, and the Corrections Department, have been directed to provide necessary documents within 30 days of the enquiry date. The court’s firm stance reflects ongoing scrutiny over Thaksin's legal obligations and his current incarceration status.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thai PBS 2025-05-13

 

 

Why worry?

 

 

and this guy is a puppet for the pheuthai

 

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Minister Somsak, affiliated with the ruling Pheu Thai Party, has a 15-day window to veto the council’s resolution.

 

Lock him up and make him serve his time.