Picture courtesy of The Business Times | AFP

 

Thaksin Shinawatra, former prime minister of Thailand, began a one-year prison sentence for past convictions of corruption and abuse of power. This marks a significant downturn for Thaksin, 76, whose daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, was recently ousted as prime minister and replaced by a rival. Thaksin's political party, Pheu Thai, has also been relegated to the opposition.

 

Thaksin, a contentious figure in Thai politics, has long challenged the royalist-military establishment. After being ousted in a coup, he spent years in exile before making a dramatic return to Thailand two years ago. His brief return to power was supported by former adversaries aiming to counter the progressive People's Party, though he was quickly sentenced to eight years in prison, received a royal pardon, and avoided serving time—until now.

 

Experts note that despite his setbacks, Thaksin may still hold value for the royalists wary of the progressive movement. Paul Chambers from Singapore’s ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute suggests that Thaksin remains a strategic asset. After his sentencing, Thaksin pledged to devote his life to the monarchy and Thailand, signaling a shift in his public stance.

 

Thaksin's Pheu Thai Party, once a dominant force, has seen declining support, exacerbated by Paetongtarn's removal and nationalist uproar over a conversation with Cambodia's Hun Sen. Pheu Thai's loss of grassroots support is highlighted by defections to the now-ruling royalist party, Bhumjaithai. Critics argue Thaksin's focus on family leadership and failure to adapt to Thailand's changing political landscape have eroded his party's influence.

 

As Thailand prepares for elections next year, Thaksin’s future role remains uncertain. The political climate is shifting, with parties like Bhumjaithai gaining ground and newer movements challenging traditional powers. Anutin Charnvirakul of Bhumjaithai is now the sitting prime minister.

 

Key Takeaways

• Thaksin starts serving his prison sentence amid changing Thai politics.
• His party's influence wanes as rivals gain power and support.
• Future elections may determine Thaksin's enduring political relevance.

 

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-09-12

 

 

Thaksin got off Scot free!

 

Sure, he's in jail to serve his original one year's term, but where's his punishment for all his lies and deceit about his false health conditions that got him in the hospital?

 

Should be another year for that.

3 minutes ago, thongplay said:

Thaksin got off Scot free!

 

Sure, he's in jail to serve his original one year's term, but where's his punishment for all his lies and deceit about his false health conditions that got him in the hospital?

 

Should be another year for that.

hopefully more charges are forthcoming 

21 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Thaksin Shinawatra, former prime minister of Thailand, began a one-year prison sentence for past convictions of corruption and abuse of power.

Yes I know what it says , but believe me he won't do 12 months in jail , he can get parole for a start after 6 months and even he don't need that if he can do home detention with a monitor. So still all Bull S.

I only have one question.

How many people did he share his cell with?

44 minutes ago, wombat said:

I only have one question.

How many people did he share his cell with?

Not many

1 hour ago, wombat said:

I only have one question.

How many people did he share his cell with?

I read he has another person in the cell for a non violent crime who acts as the warden's aide. The article went on to state that Thaksin will be teaching other inmates English. I see a set up for early release given age and good behavior. Watch for it.

It'll be nothing like gen pop. He'll have his own cell and decent comfort/food. If he ended up getting sick and coming out a wreck of a man, as many do in Thai nik, it would highlight Thailand's dire prison system, and they don't want that.

1 hour ago, wombat said:

I only have one question.

How many people did he share his cell with?

I have only one answer.

He’s been in quarantine so, by definition, the answer is none.

I think in a Thai prison, if you have money you can have whatever food you want sent in, 

He got what he had coming to him.