Thaksin shocks Bangkok by returning from Dubai just hours before Tuesday’s Supreme Court hearing, thrilling Pheu Thai supporters, rattling critics and plunging Thai politics into fresh suspense as his legal fate and party influence hang in the balance.
Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has shocked Bangkok’s media and political establishment by returning to the capital ahead of his Supreme Court hearing on Tuesday morning. His return is hugely significant, no matter how the court rules. It immediately earns him credit after his sudden flight to Dubai last Thursday evening, reassuring loyal Pheu Thai supporters and even sceptics who were certain he had fled for good. If the court ultimately sends him to prison, his voluntary return will cast him as a figure willing to face the consequences. At the very least, it energises the Pheu Thai Party, giving it a fresh chance to challenge a government born from an extraordinary volte-face.
Last Friday, the People’s Party backed a conservative interim administration over an allied faction that had proposed a former Attorney General committed to immediately dissolving the House of Representatives. This is high-stakes politics in motion—and it could mark a pivotal moment in Thailand’s history.
Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has made a stunning and unexpected return to Thailand. His private jet touched down at Don Mueang Airport on Monday afternoon, just hours before he is due to face a critical Supreme Court ruling. This move has thrown Thai politics into fresh turmoil.
Over the weekend, most analysts had dismissed the idea of Thaksin’s return. Many said the risks were simply too high. Indeed, multiple media outlets suggested the former premier had little chance of avoiding prison.
Sudden return of Thaksin shocks Bangkok and sends political ripples across Thailand ahead of court ruling
These views followed an extraordinary decision by the Supreme Court earlier this year to open a review of his sentence.
Nevertheless, Thaksin’s arrival caught nearly everyone off guard. His presence is now sending shockwaves through Thailand’s political establishment.
The 76-year-old, widely considered Thailand’s most successful prime minister in modern history, appears ready to confront both legal and political storms head-on.
Many see this return as a strategic gamble. It comes just one day before the Supreme Court decides whether his long hospital stay was justified. Critics allege the months-long medical leave amounted to special treatment, aimed at avoiding prison time. The court has ordered him to appear in person.
Significantly, Thaksin’s comeback is being closely tied to a wider political struggle. His daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, was recently sidelined under controversial circumstances. Moreover, the People’s Party struck a backroom deal last year to install Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul as Prime Minister. That move deeply divided the party’s own supporters and has led to accusations of betrayal.
Thaksin’s flight from Dubai to Singapore and onward to Bangkok as he kept political associates informed
Consequently, Thaksin’s return is viewed by many as an effort to reclaim political ground. It also signals that the Shinawatra political dynasty is far from finished.
Still, insiders say his sudden reappearance could create a crisis for those orchestrating the current government arrangement. Initially, Thaksin claimed he was travelling to Singapore for a medical check-up.
However, his journey did not go as planned. On the evening of September 4, he was delayed for over two hours by Immigration Bureau officers at Don Mueang Airport. Due to that delay, his private jet missed the 10:00 PM cut-off for landing at Singapore’s private terminal.
As a result, Thaksin rerouted to Dubai. He landed there at 2:40 AM on September 5. After spending several days in the United Arab Emirates, he took off again—this time from Dubai to Singapore. His Bombardier Global 7500 touched down at Seletar Airport in Singapore early on September 8.
Shortly after his arrival in Singapore, Thaksin alerted close associates in Thailand. He informed them he would fly to Bangkok that same day and arrive by 5:00 PM. However, things moved faster than expected.
Court’s review of Thaksin’s medical leave raises critical questions over fairness and political influence
Flightradar24 data confirmed that his private jet departed Singapore shortly after 2:00 PM. The system showed it heading for Don Mueang Airport, with a scheduled landing at 2:47 PM. By 2:55 PM, the jet had landed at Mjets Don Mueang terminal.
Within minutes, a black Mercedes-Maybach, license plate Por Ror 195 Bangkok, pulled up alongside the aircraft. Another vehicle followed close behind. Thaksin emerged smiling and appeared calm before stepping into the car. The vehicle departed the airfield just seven minutes after the plane touched down.
Later, authorities released the passenger manifest. Among those on board were key allies and family members: Simla Charasphaew, Thawatchai Kluemmeak, Kaewjai Singthong, former Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat, and Thaksin’s sister, Yaowapha Wongsawat. These names suggest the flight was more than a personal return—it was a calculated political statement.
The Court has now ordered Thaksin to be present on Tuesday. The hearing will examine the legality of his hospital stay from August 2023 to early 2024. After returning to Thailand on August 22, 2023, he was quickly sentenced to eight years in prison on corruption-related charges. This was later reduced to one year by royal clemency.
Observers see Thaksin’s return as pivotal and public watches closely as political drama reaches high point
However, just 13 hours after entering Bangkok Remand Prison, he was transferred to the Police General Hospital. He remained there for nearly six months in a luxury ward on the 14th floor. Many questioned the severity of his health condition. Others called it a flagrant abuse of privilege.
Not surprisingly, the situation drew nationwide scrutiny. Photos of the premium hospital suite, shared online, only added fuel to the fire. The public grew increasingly sceptical of the leniency shown to one of the country’s most polarising figures.
Now, Thaksin’s return—just a day before his court date—has reignited debate. Supporters call it a courageous act of accountability. They say it shows he’s willing to face the law despite everything. But critics believe it’s a carefully orchestrated manoeuvre to distract from the legal questions still looming.
Tuesday’s ruling could reshape the future of Thai politics. If the court finds fault with his medical leave, prison time could be enforced immediately. If not, Thaksin could regain influence—quietly or otherwise—within the Pheu Thai Party and beyond.
Thaksin’s return may mark either a final reckoning or a new chapter in long-running political saga
Observers agree this is a pivotal moment. Thailand has entered another tense chapter in a long-running political drama. Regardless of the verdict, Thaksin’s return confirms one thing: his grip on Thai politics is far from over.
As of Monday night, it remains unclear whether he will appear in person at court. Officials say the decision will depend on his health and legal status. However, with the nation watching, many expect Thaksin to show up and face the music.
Thaksin tells Pheu Thai leaders he will return on Monday to face Tuesday’s Supreme Court hearing
Has Thaksin flown the Thai coop for the second time? All will be revealed next Tuesday, before the court
After years of exile, legal battles and political upheaval, Thaksin Shinawatra is once again at the centre of Thai history. The question now is whether his reentry marks a final reckoning—or a new beginning.
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Further reading:
Thaksin tells Pheu Thai leaders he will return on Monday to face Tuesday’s Supreme Court hearing
People’s Party meeting on Monday ended in chaos as it failed to decide on who it will support for PM
Strong case for Chaikasem Nitisiri to lead an interim government tasked with Constitutional change
