Thailand’s former Prime Minister Thaksin makes surprise departure ahead of a risky court ruling

BANGKOK (AP) — Thailand’s former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra made a sudden and surprising departure from the country on Thursday, just five days before a court ruling that could open him up to a new prison sentence.

His exit came a week after the Constitutional Court removed his daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, from her position as prime minister. The court found her guilty of an ethics violation for a politically compromising phone call with Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen.

Parliament was set to vote Friday on a new prime minister to succeed Paetongtarn and install a new government. Many see this as the end of the power that Thaksin’s political machine has wielded for more than two decades. During that time, Thaksin faced prison time in various cases, though he spent no time behind bars.

Thaksin told Thai immigration authorities at Bangkok’s Don Mueang Airport that his private jet was headed for Singapore. A police statement confirmed his plane was allowed to take off shortly after 7 p.m. because he had no arrest warrant or court order preventing him from leaving the country.