Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has departed to Dubai shortly before a court ruling that could have led to his imprisonment. Thaksin, a divisive figure in Thai politics, left on Tuesday, evading a potential two-year jail sentence for a conflict of interest case. His departure comes amid escalating political tensions and protests in Thailand, where his influence remains significant despite living in self-imposed exile since 2008.

The case against Thaksin stems from his involvement in a land deal during his tenure as prime minister from 2001 to 2006. The Supreme Court was set to deliver its verdict on Wednesday, a decision that could have seen Thaksin imprisoned and further inflamed the already polarized political landscape in Thailand. Critics of the former PM view his departure as a move to avoid accountability, while his supporters argue that the charges are politically motivated.

Thaksin’s decision to leave Thailand just before the court verdict has raised questions about the rule of law and accountability in the country. A legal expert, speaking on condition of anonymity, noted that the timing of Thaksin’s departure could be perceived as an attempt to circumvent the judicial process. The former PM’s departure to Dubai, a destination known for its lack of an extradition treaty with Thailand, adds a layer of complexity to the situation.

As Thaksin’s departure reverberates in Thai political circles, government officials have refrained from commenting publicly on the matter. The move has sparked varied reactions among the Thai populace, with some viewing it as an evasion of justice and others seeing it as a strategic move in a high-stakes political environment. The implications of Thaksin’s departure for Thailand’s political stability and rule of law remain to be seen as the country grapples with heightened tensions and uncertainty.