On September 4, 2025, Thaksin Shinawatra fled Thailand for Dubai on his private jet, hours before a parliamentary vote for a new prime minister and days before a court ruling that could jail him, plunging his Pheu Thai party into chaos.
The 76-year-old billionaire left Bangkok late Thursday, citing a medical checkup in Dubai, where he spent much of his 15-year exile. His exit came six days after his daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, was sacked as prime minister for ethics violations tied to a border clash.
Pheu Thai, which won five of the last six elections, nominated Chaikasem Nitisiri for the September 5 PM vote, promising a snap election if elected. However, Bhumjaithai’s Anutin Charnvirakul, backed by the opposition People’s Party’s 143 votes, holds a strong lead with 289 potential votes.
On September 9, the Supreme Court will decide if Thaksin’s six-month hospital stay in 2023 counts toward his commuted one-year sentence for abuse of power. A ruling against him could mean jail time, prompting his sudden departure.
Anutin’s coalition, with 146 lawmakers and People’s Party support, needs 247 votes to win. Analysts like Wanwichit Boonprong of Rangsit University predict Anutin’s victory, calling Pheu Thai’s efforts “the final show” as their dominance wanes.
Thaksin Shinawatra’s exit and Pheu Thai’s struggles signal a potential shift in Thailand’s power dynamics. If Anutin wins, his pledge for elections within four months could reshape the political landscape, while Thaksin’s legal fate remains uncertain.
