Thailand's former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has been transferred to the medical wing of Klong Prem Central Prison as officials cited his advanced age and ongoing health concerns, just days after a court ruling sent him back behind bars.

The 76-year-old telecommunications tycoon, one of Thailand's wealthiest and most divisive figures, began his one-year sentence last week following a Supreme Court decision that his prior hospital detention did not count toward time served.

Thaksin, who served as prime minister from 2001 to 2006 before a military coup ousted him, had returned from 15 years of self-exile in August 2023 and was initially sentenced to eight years for corruption and abuse of power. A royal pardon reduced that to one year, but he spent just hours in a cell before moving to a hospital suite, where he remained for six months until parole in February 2024.

The court's September 9 ruling deemed the hospital arrangement unlawful, stating his conditions were not urgent enough to justify it as prison time. Thaksin reported to Klong Prem after the verdict, undergoing a mandatory quarantine before family visits resumed. A senior corrections official, speaking anonymously, confirmed the move to the medical wing was precautionary, without specifying active treatment. "He has relocated due to his age and chronic disease," the official said.

Thaksin's daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra – who was sacked as prime minister last month over a leaked phone call – visited with her mother and sister on Monday. After a 30-minute meeting, Paetongtarn told reporters outside the prison that her father's health was stable, though he was experiencing normal blood pressure fluctuations from prison stress. She noted his hair had been shaved per regulations. Thaksin's lawyer, Winyat Chatmontree, said it was too early to seek alternative custody, as regulations require a minimum prison period before such requests. He added that Thaksin sought no special privileges, including extra security or a private room.

The Shinawatra family's political influence, which has shaped Thailand for two decades through Thaksin's siblings and children, faces fresh challenges. Paetongtarn's ouster marked the sixth time a Shinawatra-backed leader has been removed by courts or military since 2006.

Thaksin's return had briefly allied him with former rivals against youth-led progressives, but recent setbacks have dimmed that momentum. Supporters gathered outside the prison, while critics view the saga as emblematic of Thailand's establishment targeting populist forces.