In a move that has sent shockwaves through Thailand's political landscape, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has abruptly departed the country. The billionaire tycoon left just before a crucial court verdict that could have seen him imprisoned.
The Bangkok Criminal Court was set to rule on Tuesday whether Thaksin should be prosecuted under the kingdom's strict lèse-majesté law. This law, which criminalises insults against the monarchy, carries severe penalties of up to 15 years imprisonment per charge.
A Controversial Return and Sudden Departure
Thaksin's dramatic exit comes barely a year after his sensational return to Thailand following 15 years in self-imposed exile. His homecoming in August 2023 was seen as a carefully negotiated arrangement with establishment powers.
Despite numerous outstanding convictions and charges, he served only six months in hospital detention before receiving a royal pardon. Many believed this marked the end of his legal troubles and a new chapter in Thai politics.
The Charges That Forced His Hand
The current case stems from an interview Thaksin gave to South Korean media in 2015. Prosecutors allege his comments violated Section 112 of Thailand's criminal code, the controversial lèse-majesté legislation.
Thaksin had pleaded not guilty to the charges in June, but the timing of his departure suggests he anticipated an unfavourable ruling. His lawyer confirmed the trip was "personal" but provided no details about his destination or return date.
Political Fallout and National Reaction
The development represents a significant setback for the ruling Pheu Thai party, which is led by Thaksin's family. It also throws Thailand's fragile political stability into question, coming just months after the party formed a controversial coalition with military-backed rivals.
Political analysts suggest this move could strain the uneasy truce between democratic forces and the conservative establishment that has governed Thai politics since the 2014 military coup.
The court is expected to proceed with Tuesday's ruling despite Thaksin's absence, potentially issuing an arrest warrant if he fails to appear. This latest twist ensures that the polarising figure of Thaksin Shinawatra will continue to dominate Thailand's political narrative for the foreseeable future.
