Thailand's Ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra Returns After 15 Years In Exile
The once-powerful and polarizing Thailand's ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra returns after 15 years in exile.
Author:Suleman ShahReviewer:Han JuAug 23, 20232.1K Shares179K Views
The once-powerful and polarizing Thailand's ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra returns after 15 years in exile.
His return has sparked intense debates and uncertainty in Thailand's ever-complex political landscape, as the nation grapples with a fresh wave of political flux and change.
A Towering And Divisive Figure
Thaksin Shinawatra, head of the influential Shinawatra political dynasty and a former owner of Manchester City Football Club, rose to power in 2001 as Thailand's prime minister.
However, his time in office was cut short by a military coup in 2006 while he was attending a UN meeting in New York. After briefly returning to Thailand, he fled the country in 2008 following a corruption conviction.
His tumultuous return on Tuesday has added another layer of complexity to Thailand's intricate political tapestry.
Upon his arrival in Thailand, Thaksin Shinawatra was immediately sentenced to eight years in prison by the Supreme Court.
However, it remains uncertain whether he will serve this sentence. Despite the conviction, Thaksin's return comes at a crucial time for Thailand, as the country seeks to break a political deadlock that has persisted for more than three months following the recent elections.
Return Amidst Political Upheaval
Thaksin's return coincides with a parliamentary vote for a new prime minister.
The progressive Pheu Thai party, which has strong ties to Thaksin, secured a parliamentary vote for a new prime minister, aiming to navigate the political landscape riddled with challenges and rival factions.
However, the party's alliance with military-backed parties, including those affiliated with the coup leader Prayut Chan-o-Cha, has sparked controversy and criticism.
Thaksin's return garnered significant attention, with thousands of people tracking his private jet as it landed in Bangkok.
Supporters hailed his arrival, while critics expressed concerns about his legacy of corruption and autocratic tendencies.
Thaksin's daughter, Paetongtarn, shared a touching moment as her father met his infant granddaughter for the first time.
Exiled former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra returns to Thailand
Impact On Thai Politics
Thaksin's influence on Thai politics has been profound, with his populist policies appealing to rural and working-class citizens.
His return has the potential to shift power dynamics, especially with the rise of the progressive Move Forward Party, which secured a significant number of votes in the recent elections.
However, his return also raises questions about the direction Thai politics will take, particularly in light of the ongoing demands for reforms in various aspects of governance.
Thaksin's return presents an opportunity for dialogue and potential negotiation, given his longstanding influence on Thai politics and the changing landscape.
As the country grapples with calls for reform, Thaksin's presence could facilitate discussions about the future direction of the nation, including institutional reforms and the role of the monarchy.
As Thailand navigates the return of Thaksin Shinawatra, it stands at a crossroads in its political journey. The mixed reactions to his homecoming reflect the deep divisions within Thai society.
While some see his return as a chance for progress and change, othersremain skeptical about his impact on the nation's political trajectory.
The ultimate path that Thailand takes will be shaped by the delicate interplay of political forces, public sentiment, and the evolving demands of a nation in transition.
Final Words
Thaksin Shinawatra's long-awaited return to Thailand has injected fresh uncertainty into the nation's political landscape.
As the country grapples with the aftermath of his arrival, Thailand finds itself at a pivotal crossroads, torn between the echoes of the past and the demands for change from a new generation.
Thaksin's presence may open doors to dialogue, but it also raises questions about the direction of Thai politics and the potential for reform.
As the nation stands on the precipice of change, the intricate interplay of history, public sentiment, and evolving dynamics will determine the trajectory Thailand takes in the days to come.
Suleman Shah
Author
Suleman Shah is a researcher and freelance writer. As a researcher, he has worked with MNS University of Agriculture, Multan (Pakistan) and Texas A & M University (USA). He regularly writes science articles and blogs for science news website immersse.com and open access publishers OA Publishing London and Scientific Times. He loves to keep himself updated on scientific developments and convert these developments into everyday language to update the readers about the developments in the scientific era. His primary research focus is Plant sciences, and he contributed to this field by publishing his research in scientific journals and presenting his work at many Conferences.
Shah graduated from the University of Agriculture Faisalabad (Pakistan) and started his professional carrier with Jaffer Agro Services and later with the Agriculture Department of the Government of Pakistan. His research interest compelled and attracted him to proceed with his carrier in Plant sciences research. So, he started his Ph.D. in Soil Science at MNS University of Agriculture Multan (Pakistan). Later, he started working as a visiting scholar with Texas A&M University (USA).
Shah’s experience with big Open Excess publishers like Springers, Frontiers, MDPI, etc., testified to his belief in Open Access as a barrier-removing mechanism between researchers and the readers of their research. Shah believes that Open Access is revolutionizing the publication process and benefitting research in all fields.
Han Ju
Reviewer
Hello! I'm Han Ju, the heart behind World Wide Journals. My life is a unique tapestry woven from the threads of news, spirituality, and science, enriched by melodies from my guitar. Raised amidst tales of the ancient and the arcane, I developed a keen eye for the stories that truly matter. Through my work, I seek to bridge the seen with the unseen, marrying the rigor of science with the depth of spirituality.
Each article at World Wide Journals is a piece of this ongoing quest, blending analysis with personal reflection. Whether exploring quantum frontiers or strumming chords under the stars, my aim is to inspire and provoke thought, inviting you into a world where every discovery is a note in the grand symphony of existence.
Welcome aboard this journey of insight and exploration, where curiosity leads and music guides.
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