BANGKOK — Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra announced via social media on Tuesday that his private jet had diverted from Singapore to Dubai due to the closure of Seletar private airport, but he pledged to return to Thailand by September 8 to face a Supreme Court verdict the following day.

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In a post on the platform “X,” Thaksin claimed immigration officials at Don Mueang Airport delayed his departure by nearly two hours, preventing his Bombardier Global 7500 from landing in Singapore before the airport’s 10 p.m. curfew. The pilot subsequently rerouted to Dubai, where Thaksin stated he would seek treatment from his longtime pulmonologist and orthopedist and visit friends.

Flight tracking data from Flightradar24 confirmed the diversion. The aircraft, registered as T7GTS, entered a holding pattern over the Andaman Sea before proceeding to the Middle East, landing in Dubai at 11:40 p.m. local time (2:40 a.m. Thai time) after a 7-hour, 22-minute flight.

#Thailand’s influential former prime miniser Thaksin Shinawatra flew out of the country on Thursday, police said, a day before a parliamentary vote for the next prime minister and ahead of a court ruling that could see him jailed. https://t.co/26Q763k3Uj

— Francisco Taveira (@jftaveira1993) September 5, 2025

Thaksin faces a September 9 ruling from the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Holders of Political Office over allegations he falsified illness to avoid imprisonment. He was admitted to the Police General Hospital for six months without spending a day in jail before his parole earlier this year.

The former prime minister’s sudden departure and unexpected detour have fueled speculation about his intentions. Nevertheless, he insists he will return to hear the verdict, which could have significant implications for his political future and ongoing legal battles.

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The case has drawn intense public scrutiny, reflecting deep divisions in Thailand’s political landscape. Authorities have yet to comment on Thaksin’s travel plans or the court proceedings.

-Thailand News (TN)