Former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra broke her silence for the first time yesterday since fleeing the country ahead of a Supreme Court ruling last August, to thank her supporters for their birthday wishes and moral support.
The ex-premier, who fled shortly before the Aug 25 ruling last year, took to Facebook to express gratitude to her supporters who sent her gifts, flowers and messages even though she was away from home. She turned 51 yesterday.
Yingluck also thanked her brother, fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, for making her birthday "full of warmth".
The former premier said she was overwhelmed by a card sent by her son, Nong Pipe.
"These things are meaningful to me -- friendship, love and best wishes. I'll never forget."
According to Yingluck, it was the first time she and Thaksin had spent time together after having not seen each other for a long time.
"He also spent time with me all day and treated me to two meals. It was the first time we celebrated my birthday [overseas]. I'm glad and overwhelmed."
Yingluck did not reveal any details about her whereabouts or discuss the court ruling.
The post was accompanied by a photo of herself in an undisclosed location posing with various gifts she had received.
Yingluck was found guilty of dereliction of duty over her failure to stop graft in the rice-pledging scheme and sentenced to five years in prison by the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions.
It was widely believed that she sought asylum in the United Kingdom after her escape.
Red-shirt affiliated television host Jom Phetpradap was also among Yingluck's supporters who wished her a happy birthday.
On his Facebook, Mr Jom revealed that Thaksin did not want his sister to spend time behind bars.
