National —
On July 31st, 2024, Thai national media reported that on July 27th, Mr. Thaksin Shinawatra, a defendant in a Section 112 lèse-majesté case, requested permission to travel abroad. The court scheduled a hearing on the request for July 30th, and issued a ruling on the same day.
After examining the evidence, the court allowed Thaksin to be temporarily released while his case was under review, but prohibited him from leaving the country.
Thaksin sought to travel to the United Arab Emirates (Dubai) from August 1 to 16, 2024, for medical treatment. He reportedly plans to see medical experts on August 2nd and 8th for chronic pneumonia, respiratory and cardiovascular issues, a torn right shoulder ligament, and a herniated disc.
Thaksin also has several personal meetings scheduled during his stay in Dubai. He assured the court he would return before the evidence examination scheduled for August 19th, 2024.
Although Thaksin presented medical evidence and claimed meetings with important figures as reasons for his travel, the court noted that his medical conditions are commonly treated in Thailand. The personal nature of his meetings and the proximity to the evidence examination date led the court to reject his request.
The court concluded that despite Thaksin’s medical claims, there was insufficient evidence to justify his travel abroad. Given the timing and lack of critical necessity, his request was denied.
This article originally appeared on our sister website The Pattaya News.
