Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. (AP Photo/Arnun Chonmahatrakool)

 

The abrupt change in travel plans of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has sparked intense speculation, casting doubt on his scheduled court appearance. Initially en route to Singapore for medical treatment, Thaksin diverted to Dubai, citing airport delays and closing hours at Singapore’s Seletar Airport. Now, political circles buzz with theories regarding his true intentions as judgement day looms.

 

Thaksin's troubles trace back to a high-profile case tied to his six-month stay at Police General Hospital's luxurious ward, instead of serving jail time behind bars.

 

His critics have long accused him of feigning illness to dodge a proper prison sentence, and a Medical Council of Thailand probe suggested he received undue help from some doctors. The Supreme Court is set to rule on Tuesday about whether Thaksin's sentence was legally fulfilled.

 

Amidst mounting pressure, Thaksin took to social media to explain his sudden detour, stating Dubai's doctors, who treated him during his past residence there, are capable of conducting necessary check-ups. However, sceptics remain unconvinced.

 

Palang Pracharath Party’s Chaiwut Thanakamanusorn dismissed Thaksin's medical explanation, hinting at political motives given the ongoing selection of a new prime minister following the removal of Thaksin’s daughter, Paetongtarn, from office.

 

Stepping up the rhetoric, Thai Pakdee Party leader Warong Dechgitvigrom labelled this move as “Thaksin’s final escape.” He doesn’t believe Thaksin will keep his word and appear at the court.

 

The court case focuses on the enforcement of a reduced one-year prison sentence, brought down from an original eight years through royal clemency. Following his return to Thailand in August 2023, Thaksin was whisked to prison, only to be transferred to hospital within hours and later released on parole, reported the Bangkok Post.

 

Amidst political tension, Caretaker Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai has urged patience, acknowledging Thaksin's overseas medical claim but advising the public to await official news.

 

Thaksin has informed them of being abroad for treatment, with a hint of uncertainty about his return. All eyes are on Thaksin as the court date approaches and the crucial days that lie ahead.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-09-06

 

 

22 minutes ago, webfact said:

Dubai's doctors, who treated him during his past residence there, are capable of conducting necessary check-ups.

 

He could have visited any nearby village in Thailand and asked for advise, there's plenty of old wifes around, no need for Dubai doctors.

on the run again

 

what a circus

He did the smartest thing he ever could have done. With doctors that supposedly cared for him being charged and dismissed for their part in this charade, it is almost certain that he would not win the case on tuesday. The only thing he could do is run. If his case loses he will surely be sent to prison to continue his sentence.At least now, being in another country, he can choose not to return easily based on the outcome of the case. It is most sure he will not return in time to be at the courts to hear their ruling. 

Good riddance and lets hope he keeps his nose out of politics this time. 

16 minutes ago, thesetat said:

Good riddance and lets hope he keeps his nose out of politics this time. 

... as we all know, he won’t. even if he will promise to stay out of politics in the name of his so beloved grandchildren ... 

 

Okay! Bye Bye. Time to enter the role of Tony Woodsome again.

With Thaksin it's a case of: Believe it when you see it.

2 hours ago, thesetat said:

lets hope he keeps his nose out of politics this time. 

 

I don't know the age of  tthe kids,  but I wouldn't be surpriced if he's planning the oldest to bebome a new puppet.

Uncle Tony baloney' has run out of his own miracle cure all in 12 hours elixir, and needs a resupply is my guess🤔

6 hours ago, smedly said:

on the run again

 

what a circus

Wait for the day of his court appearance, if he's a no-show revoke his passport.

He is welcome to stay in Dubai

How come his private jet had sufficient fuel to divert to Dubai? Normally a jet will only carry enough fuel for the intended journey (in this case Singapore) plus a reserve in case a diversion to an alternative airport is required because of bad weather (in this case there are numerous alternative airports within an hour's flying time). A flight to Dubai requires three times as much fuel as a flight to Singapore (more given the actual route that Thaksin's jet took) and pilots would never load that much fuel unless it was the intention to fly to Dubai in the first place.

Nobody believes that he was gonna head to Singapore to see doctors I mean their doctors a lot closer right in Bangkok he knew that the case is coming up and he figured the odds aren’t good in his favor so he said I also go back to Dubai maybe he’ll send a letter like the Red Bull kid did that he was too sick to attend the court course nobody in the government or the police in Thailand know where the red book is LolTIT 

Thaksin should know that Dubai is not the safe heaven for criminals anymore. Some EU criminals recently found out when Dubai sent them back to their country of origin on request of the authorities.

32 minutes ago, hotchilli said:

Wait for the day of his court appearance, if he's a no-show revoke his passport.

 

No effect, he has other passports 

37 minutes ago, hotchilli said:

Wait for the day of his court appearance, if he's a no-show revoke his passport.

He is welcome to stay in Dubai

Agreed revoke his passport & freeze the assets of the entire family until return..this makes the legal system look so inadequate.. 

9 minutes ago, wardje said:

Thaksin should know that Dubai is not the safe heaven for criminals anymore. Some EU criminals recently found out when Dubai sent them back to their country of origin on request of the authorities.

High profile billionaire not in same bracket as your average crim though.

I don’t get why he didn’t just go behind bars. It would still have been cushy—never would’ve been in gen pop—and was only for a few months. Might’ve been enlightening and good for his soul. Weak-ass slippery b’stard. 😋

34 minutes ago, wardje said:

Thaksin should know that Dubai is not the safe heaven for criminals anymore. Some EU criminals recently found out when Dubai sent them back to their country of origin on request of the authorities.

I don't think Thailand has a treaty with Dubai.

If he doesn't come back, could it not be suggested that he has lacked respect. if not shown contempt towards the patronage afforded him regarding the commution of his 8yr sentence ? No better reason to enforce his return.

Just my idea but i think the meeting he had with Prayut was in order to explain his options to him.

It was solved the Thai way,he is gone,problem is gone!

He said he wants to visit a friend he has not seen for two years. I assume that to be Monty Negro.😋

8 hours ago, smedly said:

on the run again

 

what a circus

 

Don't expect him to be back anytime soon. 😆

His Dubai 'doctors' will probably provide a medical certificate that he is unable to travel for say 7-14 days.  Then if the Court case outcome is he must serve time in jail - IMO he will not return and will stay with his Sister.  The Shin family as such will remain in Thailand and continue to make money, and his network of 'underlings' will continue to be 'supported' to ensure regulatory and business 'compliance' to grow the family wealth.  Same as all wealthy Chinese families - they take the long view and are all about growing the family wealth and power.  Anutin's family are about to get a huge boost.

 

2 hours ago, hotchilli said:

Wait for the day of his court appearance, if he's a no-show revoke his passport.

He is welcome to stay in Dubai

As far as I know he purchased a couple of other citizenships, Montenegro and Equador, I think. 

1 hour ago, TheFishman1 said:

Nobody believes that he was gonna head to Singapore to see doctors I mean their doctors a lot closer right in Bangkok he knew that the case is coming up and he figured the odds aren’t good in his favor so he said I also go back to Dubai maybe he’ll send a letter like the Red Bull kid did that he was too sick to attend the court course nobody in the government or the police in Thailand know where the red book is LolTIT 

The  red ball kid is living in London looking after the families real estate assets, everyone here knows it but because he is a hyso family member no one will do anything about it.   Nothing will ever change for the hysos's.  It's one rule for them and another for everyone else.

I

1 hour ago, Bill97 said:

No effect, he has other passports 

Yes, but his Thai passport is probably a Diplomatic passport !? 

on the run again.... as there is no more semi-intelligent relatives to become a PM, the rest are honest and low IQ 

This go getting moron is a coward 

2 hours ago, wardje said:

Thaksin should know that Dubai is not the safe heaven for criminals anymore. Some EU criminals recently found out when Dubai sent them back to their country of origin on request of the authorities.

He’s not a criminal he’s a political fugitive 

2 hours ago, Bill97 said:

No effect, he has other passports 

Not one that would get him back into Thailand

1 hour ago, thecyclist said:

As far as I know he purchased a couple of other citizenships, Montenegro and Equador, I think. 

He can travel the world.. just like the other guy..

As long as he can't come back here it's all good.