CNA Correspondent Billionaire behind bars: Thailand’s top court sends ex-PM Thaksin back to jail
Sep 10, 2025
In this insightful discussion, Saksith Saiyasombut, a Bangkok correspondent for CNA, examines the seismic shifts in Thai politics following Thaksin Shinawatra's one-year jail sentence. He delves into the emotional court scenes that contrasted Thaksin's calmness with his daughter's distress. The conversation highlights Thaksin's complex legacy, the uncertain political landscape, and the implications of a new interim government amid growing instability. Can Thailand find political stability again, or are more upheavals on the horizon?
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Thaksin's Calm Court Arrival
- Thaksin arrived at the Supreme Court in a luxury limousine and entered calmly with his daughters before the verdict.
- He stayed mostly stoic during the reading and later left without his tie and jacket on a prison van.
Daughter's Emotional Reaction
- Patentang, Thaksin's daughter, appeared distraught after the verdict but spoke to the press invoking family pride and history.
- She emphasised their pride in Thaksin's past policies despite worry about his welfare.
Return Led To Renewed Legal Consequences
- Thaksin returned from 15 years in exile and quickly faced convictions tied to past power abuses and corruption.
- His six-month hospital detention and earlier royal clemency already reduced his effective sentence before this one-year ruling.