30-5-2024 (BANGKOK) In a dramatic turn of events, a Mercedes-Benz van frequently used by Thailand’s former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra was spotted leaving his Chan Song Lar mansion in Bangkok’s Bang Plat district close to noon on May 29. This sighting came after the former leader’s failure to appear at the Office of the Attorney-General earlier that morning to hear his indictment order.
Thaksin’s lawyer, Winyat Chartmontree, submitted a medical certificate stating that the former prime minister had contracted COVID-19 and required rest until the following week. This strategic move successfully secured a postponement of the hearing until June 18.
The charges faced by Thaksin stem from an interview he gave to South Korean media in 2015 and the posting of information deemed a threat to national security, resulting in accusations of lese-majeste (insulting the monarchy) and computer crimes.
The Chan Song Lar mansion, located in Bangkok’s Bang Plat district, drew an onslaught of media attention throughout the day, with reporters eagerly awaiting any developments in the high-profile case.
As early as 8:30 am on May 29, plainclothes police officers were spotted monitoring the situation from outside the premises, followed by the arrival of officers from the Bang Plat Police Station at 9:15 am to maintain order and direct traffic.
The comings and goings at the mansion were closely observed, with a Toyota Fortuner vehicle entering the premises at 10:40 am and exiting five minutes later, a pattern that repeated several times throughout the morning.
However, the most intriguing sighting occurred at 11:55 am when a van often used by Thaksin for provincial visits was seen departing the mansion. With its curtains drawn, preventing any view of the interior, a security officer at the mansion informed reporters that the van was empty.
Moments later, a former military officer who had previously served as Thaksin’s aide was observed entering the front gate on a motorcycle and swiftly exiting through the back gate, adding to the air of intrigue surrounding the events of the day.
