Post by : Raman

Photo : Yahoo

Thailand’s political scene was thrown into new drama on Thursday evening after former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra suddenly left the country, just hours before parliament was set to vote for a new leader and days before a court ruling that could send him back to prison.

Thaksin, one of the most powerful and controversial figures in Thai politics, was seen at Bangkok’s Don Mueang Airport before boarding his private jet. Reports said he initially planned to travel to Singapore for a medical checkup, but his journey quickly became the center of national and global attention as thousands of people tracked his plane live online.

Flight Sparks National Curiosity

As his jet took off, speculation flooded social media. Was Thaksin really going to Singapore, or was he heading back into exile in Dubai, where he had lived for years to avoid corruption and abuse-of-power charges?

Tens of thousands of people followed the flight on tracking websites. The plane first flew south across the Gulf of Thailand, then into Malaysia. But instead of landing in Singapore, the aircraft turned west, circled twice, and then headed in the direction of India.

Television channels brought aviation experts onto live broadcasts, trying to guess the plane’s destination, fuel levels, and purpose. Social media filled with jokes and comments, including one user writing: “Dear Passenger, your captain is flying in circles to entertain Flightradar viewers.”

Finally, Thaksin’s plane landed in Dubai, a city that had been his home during his long self-imposed exile.

Thaksin Explains His Move

Early Friday morning, Thaksin posted a message on social media explaining his trip. He said he had planned to go to Singapore for a medical appointment but was delayed at Thai immigration for nearly two hours. By the time he was cleared to leave, Singapore’s Seletar Airport had already closed for the night.

“Since I could not land in Singapore, I told the pilot to fly to Dubai,” Thaksin wrote. He added that he had doctors in Dubai who had treated him before and also wanted to visit old friends he had not seen in more than two years.

Thaksin stressed that he would return to Thailand by Monday and would personally attend a court hearing on Tuesday, when judges are expected to decide if he must serve more time in prison.

Legal Trouble Continues

Thaksin, who was prime minister from 2001 to 2006, has a long history of clashes with Thailand’s powerful royalist and military establishment. He spent more than 15 years in exile before returning in 2023 under a deal with his former enemies, which allowed his party to form a government while keeping pro-reform groups out of power.

When he came back, Thaksin was sentenced to eight years in prison for past corruption charges. The sentence was later reduced to one year by royal pardon. He spent less than a day in prison before citing health issues and being moved to a VIP hospital wing, where he stayed for six months. After that, he was released on parole.

This arrangement angered critics, who said it showed how powerful elites in Thailand can escape normal punishment. The court is now reviewing whether Thaksin has properly served his sentence. If not, he could be ordered back to prison.

Political Stakes High

Thaksin’s trip abroad came at a very sensitive moment for Thai politics. His daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who briefly served as prime minister, was recently removed from office by the Constitutional Court for an ethics breach.

Parliament is now preparing to vote for a new prime minister, with conservative candidate Anutin Charnvirakul – leader of the Bhumjaithai Party – widely expected to win. Thaksin’s own Pheu Thai Party has nominated Chaikasem Nitisiri, a former attorney general, but analysts say his chances are weak.

The Shinawatra family has dominated Thai politics for two decades, building strong support among rural and working-class voters. But they have also faced repeated challenges from military-backed and royalist forces, creating years of instability and political conflict.

Uncertain Future

The sudden exit of Thaksin has added fresh uncertainty to the country’s political future. Supporters fear he may again stay abroad if the court rules against him, while critics argue that his movements prove he continues to receive special treatment.

For now, Thaksin has promised to return and face justice. But Thailand’s politics are rarely simple, and his every move continues to capture the nation’s attention. With a court ruling and a prime ministerial vote just around the corner, the country faces yet another turning point in its long cycle of power struggles.

Thaksin Shinawatra, Thailand politics, Thai parliament vote, Thailand prime minister race