Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra has left Thailand just days before a court decision that could send him back to prison, setting off fresh political uncertainty in Bangkok.
Thaksin, who was ousted in a 2006 coup, flew out on Thursday claiming he was bound for medical care in Singapore. His private jet instead diverted to Dubai, where he previously lived in exile.
On Friday he posted online that he plans to return in time for the Supreme Court hearing scheduled for Tuesday.
The case before the court does not challenge his past convictions but focuses on whether prison officials acted properly when they allowed him to serve his sentence in a hospital suite rather than in jail after his 2023 return.
If the judges rule against the department, Thaksin could face imprisonment again despite his earlier royal pardon that reduced his sentence.
His exit comes at a time of deep political turbulence. Last week, his daughter Paetongtarn Shinawatra was removed as prime minister by the Constitutional Court for breaching ethical rules in a case linked to a private discussion with a Cambodian leader.
Her removal weakened the Shinawatra family’s influence, which has shaped Thai politics for more than two decades through the Pheu Thai Party.
The leadership vacuum has positioned Bhumjaithai Party chief Anutin Charnvirakul as the likely candidate for prime minister.
Once allied with Pheu Thai, Anutin has gathered support from rival parties and pledged to call a fresh election after taking office.
With the Supreme Court verdict looming and a parliamentary vote underway, Thailand faces a turning point.
Thaksin’s sudden flight abroad has raised doubts about his future role, while the country prepares for a possible shift in power under Anutin’s leadership.