Cars, carrying Thailand's former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, leave the Supreme Court for Bangkok Remand Prison in Bangkok, Thailand, Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025, (AP Photo/Sakchai Lallit)

 

Thaksin Shinawatra, former prime minister of Thailand, has started serving a one-year prison sentence following a Supreme Court ruling. This appears to lessen his immediate political influence but could paradoxically create an opportunity for the Pheu Thai Party to reinvent itself and survive without his dominant control. Political expert Olarn Thinbangtieo describes Thaksin’s imprisonment as a "political checkmate", diminishing both his real and symbolic power.

 

Thaksin had previously been in self-imposed exile before returning to Thailand in 2023 to face multiple legal charges amounting to eight years' imprisonment. These charges related to abuse of authority and conflict of interest during his time as prime minister before 2006. His sentence was later reduced to one year due to royal clemency, and he was paroled after 180 days, although this period was spent in a premium ward at Police General Hospital.

 

Experts suggest that Thaksin's image may recover after serving his time, with the Pheu Thai Party needing to undergo significant reform. To remain relevant, the party must revive its policies, cut ties with low-quality politicians, and modernise its approach. Without such changes, the party's influence may continue to decline.

 

Political analysts like Stithorn Thananithichot believe that Thaksin’s jail time could weaken his aura, potentially leading Pheu Thai to become a medium-sized party akin to today's Bhumjaithai. Despite this, the party could still hold significant bargaining power in Thailand’s coalition politics, where being a kingmaker is determined by influence rather than the sheer number of seats held.

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Thaksin Shinawatra begins a one-year prison sentence, altering his political influence.
• Pheu Thai Party must reform to maintain relevance and potential kingmaker status.
• Experts believe Thaksin's jail time may rejuvenate his symbolic power over time.

 

Related Stories:

Pheu Thai Faces Potential Dissolution After Court Ruling

Activist Pushes for Graft Probe into Thaksin's Hospital Stay

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-09-10

 

 

Silver lining but feel for the great man that is now suffering in jail due to political persecution 

Time to reinvent himself as a political martyr suffering the consequences of championing Thailand's poor and underprivileged.

seen zero evidence he is actually in jail

 

the photo in another recent thread is definitely not him

 

like I said yesterday - I smell a rat

24 minutes ago, Hunz Kittisak said:

Silver lining but feel for the great man that is now suffering in jail due to political persecution 

What political prosecution? He faked his way out of prison the first time and got caught. He is in Klong Prem Prison now just in case you did not realize that. 

Now they will go after the doctors and prison officials that aided him in his bluff. 

28 minutes ago, Hunz Kittisak said:

Silver lining but feel for the great man that is now suffering in jail due to political persecution 

he will go down in history as infamy 

30 minutes ago, Hunz Kittisak said:

Silver lining but feel for the great man that is now suffering in jail due to political persecution 

So you encourage law breakers, illegal political actors, influence buying and corruption and see that as the character set of a great man? Trump needs your backing 

I thought he flew off to Dubai the other day. Did he return to Thailand and is now in jail? Or is this story a load of bunkum?

58 minutes ago, edwinchester said:

Time to reinvent himself as a political martyr suffering the consequences of championing Thailand's poor and underprivileged.

No need for reinvention 

He’s long been the hero and champion of Thai democracy. 
He will go down in history as one of the greatest Thai patriots 

3 minutes ago, Hunz Kittisak said:

No need for reinvention 

He’s long been the hero and champion of Thai democracy. 
He will go down in history as one of the greatest Thai patriots 

Yep, he'll be up there with Naresuan - in his dreams. 

Maybe he stopped in Singapore for his Body Double, surgically made to look like Mr T.  Keeps his mouth shut for a year and walks out a Millionaire.   I would bet money on it.   Peace

2 hours ago, Hunz Kittisak said:

No need for reinvention 

He’s long been the hero and champion of Thai democracy. 
He will go down in history as one of the greatest Thai patriots 

maybe in your eyes but for the rest of Thailand  he will go down in infamy  as a corrupt ,con man murderer   all verifiable facts