14-6-2023 (BANGKOK) During a meeting with national police chief Pol Gen Damrongsak Kittiprapas on Monday, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha stated that the plans of fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra to return to Thailand were not a topic of discussion. Responding to media inquiries regarding their meeting and Thaksin’s intentions, Gen Prayut expressed no involvement or interest in the matter.
“We never talked about Thaksin, and should I have to get involved with him?” Gen Prayut questioned.
When asked about the police’s readiness if Thaksin were to return, Gen Prayut emphasized that the government’s role is to uphold the rule of law, and any legal procedures would be handled accordingly.
“If he returns, he will have to face legal procedures, that’s all. I have nothing to do with it,” clarified the Prime Minister.
Thaksin Shinawatra had previously tweeted his determination to return to Thailand before his 74th birthday on July 26, expressing his desire to be with his grandchildren and his readiness to face justice. Following his overthrow by a military coup in September 2006, Thaksin has remained in self-imposed exile, except for a brief visit to Thailand in 2008. Throughout this time, there have been 18 recorded instances of him mentioning his intention to return.
The earliest record dates back to March 30, 2009, when he addressed red-shirt protesters via a video conference outside Government House, stating, “As soon as the first shot is fired at people, I’ll lead you to Bangkok.”
In 2012, Thaksin conducted a phone-in session to greet red-shirt supporters at a gathering in Surin, during which he said, “If I go home, I’ll have to come back cool. And I’ll let you know later how to come back cool.” The remaining mentions of Thaksin’s return occurred between 2021 and May of this year.
Having been sentenced in absentia by the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions to 12 years in prison for four corruption cases, Thaksin faces the risk of immediate arrest upon his arrival in Thai jurisdiction.
