Last Friday marked a special occasion as Thaksin Shinawatra greeted his 75th birthday with a warm celebration at his residence in Bangkok. The atmosphere was filled with joy, but just days later, his life took a serious turn.
On Wednesday, the Criminal Court dealt a major blow to the former prime minister, denying his request to travel to Dubai for urgent medical treatment. This decision comes just three weeks ahead of his first hearing in a high-stakes lese majeste case.
A reliable source revealed that Thaksin submitted his request last Saturday, hoping to secure permission to leave the country and stay in Dubai from August 1 to August 16. The charges against him revolve around comments he made in 2015 during a media interview in South Korea, involving lese majeste and computer crime accusations.
The critical court date is set for August 19, where an examination of evidence and witness lists will take place. During Tuesday’s session, Thaksin and his lawyer presented their case to the court, underscoring the urgency of his medical conditions that required attention from doctors in Dubai.
Thaksin elaborated, stating that he sought treatment for chronic lung inflammation, respiratory and cardiovascular issues, and a herniated disk. His medical visits in Dubai were scheduled for August 2 and 8. Additionally, he mentioned the necessity to meet with key individuals for personal matters, assuring the court of his prompt return to Thailand before the August 19 court date.
However, the court remained unconvinced. They argued that Thaksin’s ailments were common and could be treated by medical professionals within Thailand. They also dismissed the importance of his personal engagements in Dubai. Given the proximity to his court date, the court found no compelling reason to grant the travel request and ultimately dismissed it.
Thaksin’s legal journey has been turbulent. He was arraigned on June 18 and subsequently released on bail of 500,000 baht, with strict orders not to leave the country without court approval. The charges stem from an interview with the South Korean newspaper Chosun Ilbo on May 21, 2015, where Thaksin accused privy councillors of endorsing the 2014 coup that overthrew his sister Yingluck Shinawatra’s government. This interview was later shared online, sparking significant controversy.
After spending 15 years in self-imposed exile to avoid numerous political prosecutions, Thaksin made a dramatic return to Thailand on August 22 last year. His homecoming was met with swift legal action; the Supreme Court handed down an eight-year prison sentence across three cases. However, this term was subsequently reduced to one year by royal clemency. Controversially, Thaksin was paroled after serving half his term, all of it at the Police General Hospital.
As the August 19 court date looms, the eyes of the nation are once again fixed on Thaksin Shinawatra. His legal battles remain a focal point of Thai politics, blending legal drama with personal perseverance. Only time will tell what the next chapter holds for the former prime minister as he navigates these turbulent waters.
Thaksin should absolutely be allowed to travel for medical reasons. Denying him could worsen his condition.
But who’s to say he’s not using the medical excuse to flee justice once again? His past actions don’t exactly inspire trust.
True, but human rights always come first. We should prioritize his health and then ensure he returns for the trial.
Come on, do you really think he’d return? This seems like a clear attempt to dodge the legal process.
Why not let him go? What’s so special about doctors in Dubai that we don’t have here in Thailand?
Exactly! Our medical professionals are more than capable. It’s pure theatrics from Thaksin.
Or maybe he has legitimate concerns about his health. Dubai may have specialists he prefers.
It’s about trust. His history makes it difficult to believe he’s just seeking medical help.
I don’t get why everyone’s so sympathetic. Thaksin is a criminal, plain and simple.
He might have done wrongs, but everyone deserves fair treatment, even those convicted.
The court’s decision seems deliberate and calculated. They don’t want Thaksin escaping.
Thaksin’s case highlights the issue of political prosecution in Thailand. It’s more about vendetta than justice.
I agree! His treatment has been excessively punitive. What about the corruption within the current regime?
Sure, there’s corruption everywhere, but two wrongs don’t make a right.
True, but selective justice undermines the entire legal system.
Considering his age and health, it seems unreasonable to deny him this trip.
If it were any other citizen, would we even be having this debate? The bias is evident.
He should have thought about the consequences before making those comments in 2015. Actions have consequences.
Didn’t he already skip the country once? Why would the court trust him now?
It’s different this time. He’s older, and what about his health?
Don’t be naive. If he gets out, he won’t come back.
Thailand’s courts have always been harsh on Thaksin. It’s almost personal at this point.
Why is Thaksin still grabbing headlines? Aren’t there more pressing issues in Thailand?
True, but his case sets important legal and political precedents.
Would granting him that trip be worth the risk to legal integrity?
His health should come first, and there are ways to ensure his return, like international monitoring.
The lese majeste laws are outdated and overused. They shouldn’t be used as political weapons.
Allowing him to travel would set a bad precedent. Politicians shouldn’t get special treatment.
If he’s lying about his medical condition, then denying him is absolutely justified.
His request might be rejected based on principle, not the specifics of his health concerns.
What’s more important, legal integrity or human compassion? It’s a tough call.
The court’s reasoning makes sense. Health services in Thailand are sufficient for his needs.
It’s all politics. They want to keep him here to control the narrative around him.
Isn’t this more about sending a message to other politicians than justice?
Thaksin has always played the victim card. It’s getting old.
Not sure why they waited so long to deny the request. They should’ve been clear from the start.
We’re focusing on Thaksin while ignoring other injustices. What a distraction!