14-6-2023 (BANGKOK) Paetongtarn Shinawatra, daughter of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, reiterated on Wednesday her father’s determination to return to Thailand in the coming month. She also expressed her willingness to assume the position of prime minister if Pita Limjaroenrat, the leader of the Move Forward Party, was unable to do so.
Speaking from the headquarters of the Pheu Thai Party, Ms. Paetongtarn confirmed that during their last conversation, her father remained resolute about fulfilling his promise to return next month. She dismissed speculations suggesting that her mother, Khunying Potjaman Na Pombejra, and other family members were against Thaksin’s return. Ms. Paetongtarn clarified that they did not oppose his comeback but expressed concerns about the potential consequences.
“He is carefully observing the political situation. He does not want his return to ignite unrest. Naturally, my father holds political significance, so his return must be timed appropriately, considering political suitability,” she explained.
Ms. Paetongtarn emphasized that Thaksin, who has been residing abroad for 17 years, has desired to return, particularly since the birth of his seventh grandchild—her newborn son. While affirming Thaksin’s scheduled return next month, she stated that he would personally decide on the exact arrival date, coinciding with his 76th birthday on July 26.
When asked about her preparedness to assume the role of prime minister if necessary, Ms. Paetongtarn asserted that she would not be put forward as a prime ministerial candidate by the Pheu Thai Party if she were not ready for the position.
In the recent general election on May 14, Mr. Pita’s Move Forward Party secured 151 House seats, surpassing Pheu Thai’s 141 seats. This marked the first electoral defeat for Pheu Thai since its inception under a different name approximately two decades ago. Following the election, Move Forward and Pheu Thai, along with six other parties, formed a coalition government with Mr. Pita as its leader. However, Mr. Pita faces challenges regarding his eligibility as a Member of Parliament and as a potential prime minister.
Thaksin was ousted by a military coup on September 19, 2006, while he was abroad. Since then, he has remained in self-imposed exile, except for a brief visit to Thailand in 2008. Throughout these years, there have been 18 recorded instances of him discussing his intention to return. The first occurred on March 30, 2009, when he addressed red-shirt protesters outside Government House via a teleconference, stating, “As soon as the first shot is fired at people, I’ll lead you to Bangkok.” Subsequently, during a phone-in conversation with red-shirt supporters in Surin three years later, he remarked, “If I come home, I’ll have to come back cool. And I’ll let you know later how to come back cool.” Thaksin’s remarks regarding his homecoming have continued from 2021 until this past May.
Thaksin was sentenced in absentia by the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions to 12 years in prison across four corruption cases. Upon his return to Thai jurisdiction, he risks immediate arrest.
