Thailand’s former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, removed from power by a coup d’état in 2006 and facing several prison sentences, returned to the country on Tuesday after spending 15 years in exile. He was jailed within hours, Thai authorities said.
Former PM Thaksin Shinawatra Returns to Thailand on Tuesday
Thaksin, a 74-year-old former communications tycoon, was admitted to a prison in northern Bangkok following a Supreme Court order for the former ruler to begin serving an 8-year jail term for three separate convictions.
The Department of Corrections has stated that Thaksin Shinwatra suffers from numerous health problems, including coronary problems.
Thaksin arrived at Don Mueang airport in northern Bangkok on a private plane that landed around 9:00 a.m. from Singapore.
BREAKING: A black Toyota van carrying prisoner #Thaksin arrived at Bangkok Remand Prison before noon Tues.
The Supreme Court's Political Office Holder Section sentences Thaksin Shinwatra to 10 yrs in prison on Tuesday for three corruption convictions.
(Pics: Yokin C.)#Thailand pic.twitter.com/KXcbQp5TMy— Khaosod English (@KhaosodEnglish) August 22, 2023
Hundreds of people gathered in front of the private flight terminal of this Bangkok airport to welcome the former prime minister, amid heavy security measures at the venue.
Thaksin, accompanied by his three children, came out briefly to greet his followers and lay a floral offering in front of the portrait of King Vajiralongkorn, while he remained at all times escorted by several officers.
The former prime minister returned on the same day that Parliament votes on the prime ministerial candidacy of Srettha Thaivisin, nominated by the Shinawatra family-controlled Pheu Thai party.
-Thailand News (TN)
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