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STORY: Thailand’s former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra was moved from his jail cell to a hospital early Wednesday morning over health concerns after the 74-year-old's first night in jail following his historic return from self-exile.

The Corrections Department said that Thaksin was referred to Bangkok’s police hospital after he experienced chest tightness and high blood pressure and was accompanied by eight prison guards for the transfer.

Thaksin’s condition was not immediately clear on Wednesday and his representatives did not respond to Reuters’ request for comment.

The day before saw dramatic scenes that would have until recently seemed very unlikely, as Thaksin, the billionaire founder of the populist juggernaut Pheu Thai Party, returned to the country 17 years after he was ousted by a military coup and was promptly escorted to jail.

The Supreme Court confirmed the same day that Thaksin would have to serve eight years in prison after convictions for abuse of power and conflicts of interest.

The display overshadowed his political ally Srettha Thavisin’s election as prime minister by parliamentary vote later in the day.

The return of Thailand's most famous politician, along with Srettha's surprisingly smooth ascent to the top job is expected to heighten speculation that Thaksin struck a deal with his foes ensuring his safe return and a possible early release from jail, though both Thaksin and Pheu Thai have denied such claims.