Thailand’s Supreme Court has ordered former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to serve a one-year prison sentence, ruling that his previous hospital detention was invalid. This verdict deals a major setback to the influential Shinawatra family and highlights the persistent role of the judiciary in Thai political affairs.
On Tuesday, September 9, 2025, the Supreme Court of Thailand delivered its decision, stating that Thaksin’s six-month stay in a police hospital did not count towards his sentence. The court found that he was not in critical condition and could have been treated as an outpatient, deeming the hospitalization unlawful. Judges emphasized that Thaksin knew or could perceive his condition wasn’t emergency-level, and he intentionally prolonged the stay, with responsibility not solely on doctors.
Thaksin, 76, accepted the ruling and was seen removing his jacket and entering a prison van after the verdict. In a statement on social media, he expressed that while he loses physical freedom, he retains the freedom to think for the benefit of Thailand and its people, vowing to serve the monarchy and nation. His daughter Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who was recently removed as prime minister, expressed worry but said the family remains in good spirits.
This case stems from Thaksin’s return to Thailand in 2023 after 15 years in exile, where he was convicted of corruption and abuse of power during his premiership from 2001 to 2006. Originally sentenced to eight years, his term was commuted to one year by King Maha Vajiralongkorn, and he was paroled after a brief period in hospital, never spending a night in a standard jail cell.
The ’14th floor case,’ named for the hospital wing he occupied, has attracted intense public scrutiny, with many Thais criticizing privileged treatment for the elite. Thaksin’s hospitalization in a luxury facility sparked outcry over inequality in the justice system, fueling perceptions that the wealthy receive leniency compared to ordinary citizens.
Politically, this ruling is the latest in a series of blows to the Shinawatra dynasty. Just weeks ago, Thaksin’s daughter Paetongtarn was ousted as prime minister by the constitutional court over ethics violations related to a leaked phone call with Cambodia’s former leader. The Pheu Thai party, led by the family, lost power to a new coalition, with Anutin Charnvirakul becoming the third prime minister in two years.
Thaksin’s recent trip to Dubai raised suspicions of evasion, but he returned for the court hearing, demonstrating his compliance. His actions and the court’s decision reflect the turbulent nature of Thai politics, where judicial and military interventions frequently reshape the government, undermining stability and public trust in institutions.
Looking ahead, Thaksin’s imprisonment could further diminish his influence, while the Pheu Thai party, now in opposition, faces challenges in regrouping and maintaining relevance. This event underscores the ongoing struggle between political factions and institutions in Thailand, suggesting continued volatility and potential for further legal or political developments affecting the nation’s governance.