BANGKOK, Thailand – Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra was ordered too serve one year in prison by thailand’s Supreme Court on Tuesday, reversing a previous suspended sentence related to abuse of power charges. the 74-year-old returned to Thailand last week after 15 years in self-imposed exile.The ruling marks a significant shift in thai politics, perhaps signaling the decline of the Shinawatra family’s long-held dominance. For over two decades, Thailand has largely been governed by Thaksin, his sister Yingluck, or their political allies, punctuated by periods of direct military rule.This decision comes just days after the Pheu Thai Party, linked to the Shinawatra family, was ousted from government, with Anutin Charnvirakul elected as the new prime minister.
Thaksin was originally convicted in 2008 of using his position to unfairly benefit a proxy while in office. That conviction carried an initial two-year sentence, later reduced to one year adn suspended. The Supreme Court’s decision to reinstate the full sentence followed a review prompted by a petition from the National Anti-Corruption Commission.
His sister, Yingluck Shinawatra, was removed from office following a court ruling and a subsequent 2014 military coup. A brother-in-law also briefly led the country during Thaksin’s time abroad. Many observers believe the family’s political influence is waning, and their established political machine may be losing momentum.
Thaksin’s return and subsequent legal proceedings occur at a crucial juncture for Thailand,which has navigated a complex political landscape of civilian governments,military interventions,and the enduring influence of the Shinawatra family. The country’s new government, led by Anutin Charnvirakul, took office on Sunday after receiving royal endorsement from King Vajiralongkorn.
