Former Ex-Thai Prime Minister Returns Home After 15-Year Exile

Former Thai PM Thaksin Shinawatra is out on parole after a six-month detention. It was the first time since Thaksin was in the country after a military coup overthrew his administration.

Thaksin is the most well-known or infamous Thai Prime Minister. He influenced local politics after undertaking a self-imposed exile to dodge a jail sentence. He had charges of abuse of power filed against him. He claims they were allegations cooked up by the old administration to keep him in check.

Thaksin received parole since his family party was back in power. He did not spend a single day of his sentence in jail. The king of Thailand, Maha Vajiralongkorn, commuted his sentence from 8 years to 1 year in August last year.

Claiming severe health concerns, Thaksin remained in the luxury wing of a hospital. However, he unexpectedly made a low-key departure early Sunday morning. A horde of reporters followed a convoy of tinted vehicles to capture an image of the ex-PM.

Thaksin appeared wearing a check shirt, a protective mask, and his arm in a sling. His youngest daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, accompanied him. He arrived at his Bangkok residence 25 minutes later. His daughter Paetongtarn is the leader of the ruling Pheu Thai party.

Former Energy Minister Pichai Naripthapan wished Thaksin well on the social media platform X. He also shared an old picture with Thaksin in the post. Pichai is working as a government advisor.

Thaksin has been at the center of a vicious two-decade-old power struggle between the Shinawatra family and the old-money families of Thailand. Capitalists upstart Shinawatra while royals and military generals back the opposition. This power struggle has influenced the Thai government and administration over the years.

Thaksin led the leading political party to win five out of six elections. He dramatically returned to Thailand by flying in a private jet in August. Hordes of supporters gathered at the airstrip to welcome him. Law personnel saluted him while escorting him away.

The return was coincidental with the election of his ally Srettha Thavisin as Prime Minister. The Parliament which elected Thavisin consisted of members loyal to the military and Shinawatra’s opposition. Experts speculate that Thaksin negotiated a deal with the Parliament, which defeated three Shinawatra governments in eight years.

His release was a much-anticipated event. Experts speculate whether Thaksin will stay true to his retirement plans or continue influencing politics under the new administration.

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Alefiyah BadaniNews Writer

Alefiyah Badani, hailing from Mumbai and a graduate of 2023, brings with her a background in journalism, enriched by several internships. Eager to hone her craft further, she seeks opportunities that will augment her skill set and refine her abilities in the field.

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