20-2-2024 (BANGKOK) Thaksin Shinawatra, the prominent billionaire and former Prime Minister of Thailand, has made a captivating comeback to his homeland after more than a decade of self-imposed exile. Following a six-month detention in a hospital, Thaksin was recently released on parole for corruption-related offenses. Let’s delve into the intriguing path that lies ahead for one of Southeast Asia’s most controversial political figures.
Thaksin Shinawatra, 74, served as the prime minister of Thailand for two terms until his second term was abruptly cut short by a military coup in 2006. Prior to his political career, Thaksin amassed significant wealth in the telecommunications industry and utilized his resources to establish the Thai Rak Thai party in 1998. His policies, centered around populism, resonated with the lower-income citizens, particularly in rural areas, where the majority of voters reside. Thaksin’s landslide victory in 2001 and subsequent re-election in 2005 solidified his popularity among the Thai populace.
His tenure as prime minister was marked by a series of initiatives aimed at bridging the gap between the rich and the poor. Thaksin’s supporters credited him for effectively distributing the benefits of economic growth, especially in rural regions that had been historically neglected by previous administrations. Notable accomplishments included the introduction of universal healthcare, the establishment of village development funds, and the promotion of rural industries and development.
However, Thaksin’s rise to power and his unprecedented electoral success disrupted the established political order in Thailand, arousing powerful opposition from conservative forces, including the military. These opponents perceived him as a threat to the revered monarchy, which forms the bedrock of Thai national identity. Furthermore, criticism of Thaksin’s intolerance towards dissenting voices, particularly in the media, and his failure to separate his business interests from governance further fueled the animosity against him.
The handling of the conflict in Thailand’s southernmost provinces, where minority Muslims reside, and the controversial war on illegal drugs added to the mounting criticism against Thaksin. Human rights groups accused him of being responsible for over 2,000 extrajudicial killings of suspected drug traffickers. In 2006, a military coup d’état ousted him from power, triggering a deep political polarization that persisted for almost two decades. Thaksin vehemently denied the corruption charges brought against him, dismissing them as politically motivated.
Despite being abroad when the coup took place, Thaksin returned to Thailand in 2008, during a brief period of civilian administration. However, he fled the country before being sentenced in connection with a real estate deal, breaching his bail conditions. Subsequently, Thaksin spent the majority of his time between London and Dubai, attending to various business interests. Notably, he purchased the Premier League football club Manchester City in 2007, but sold it a year later.
Thaksin’s enduring relevance is evident in the unwavering support he continues to receive from millions of voters who perceive him as a champion of their interests. Despite his backing, political parties aligned with Thaksin faced significant hurdles, including legal challenges and destabilizing street protests orchestrated by his staunch adversaries within the conservative establishment. In 2010, militant street demonstrations led by Thaksin’s supporters paralyzed central Bangkok for two months before being quelled by the army, resulting in the loss of approximately 90 lives.
In 2011, Thaksin’s sister, Yingluck Shinawatra, led the Pheu Thai party to a resounding electoral victory. However, her government’s proposal for a political amnesty, which could have allowed Thaksin to evade imprisonment, triggered violent protests. These protests ultimately led to another coup in 2014, establishing a military government that remained in power until 2019. Yingluck herself faced multiple criminal charges and subsequently fled the country to avoid imprisonment.
Thaksin’s decision to return to Thailand became feasible as the Thai Rak Thai party, considered the frontrunner in the general election last year, was surpassed by the more progressive Move Forward party. The latter’s emphasis on reforming the monarchy and the military struck a chord with a substantial portion of the electorate.
Thaksin Shinawatra’s journey from Thai Prime Minister to international fugitive and his subsequent homecoming has been nothing short of extraordinary. As he navigates the complex political landscape of Thailand, it remains to be seen what the future holds for this influential figure and the lasting impact he will have on the nation.
