Yesterday, the exiled president of Sri Lanka, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, landed in Bangkok, Thailand, after departing Singapore before his visa expired.

Rajapaksa's presence in Thailand followed claims that he unsuccessfully sought sanctuary in the Middle East on multiple occasions.

As a holder of a diplomatic passport, Thai Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai has declared that Rajapaksa can remain in Thailand for 90 days.

"Sri Lankan government did not oppose the visit and the Thai government would not make accommodation arrangements for him," Praamudwinii added.

In October 2015, during the 70th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Chayapan Bamrungphong, Thailand's permanent representative, reaffirmed his country's commitment to universal jurisdiction.

Despite numerous requests from the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, no country has yet prosecuted Sri Lankan war criminals under the principle of universal jurisdiction, telling the assembly:

 

“Thailand attaches great importance to the application of the principle of universal jurisdiction, especially in establishing jurisdiction over serious crimes of international character. We believe that proper application and exercise of universal jurisdiction would help enhance accountability, end impunity and promote the rule of law at the national and international levels”.

According to reports, Rajapaksa intends to return to Sri Lanka following the months of leave granted by Thailand. According to the Daily Mirror LK, "rich businessmen" support the president's accommodations in Thailand.