Shrutika Patil, Pune
After over a decade and a half in self-imposed exile, Thailand’s former Prime Minister,Thaksin Shinawatra, has made a dramatic return to his homeland. The notable development was met with both anticipation and intrigue as Shinawatra resurfaced on the political stage.
Upon his arrival, Shinawatra was immediately taken to the Supreme Court, where he received an eight-year sentence as a result of his involvement in three separate legal cases. Yet uncertainties loom over the extent of his actual incarceration.
Coinciding with Shinawatra’s return is a pivotal parliamentary vote concerning the establishment of a new government, where his Pheu Thai party is anticipated to secure leadership. The timing of his reappearance has led to conjecture that his comeback is linked to the party’s pursuit of political dominance.
His strategic move suggests he is banking on a favourable administration to potentially curtail his sentence. However, he maintains that his decision to reenter the country is unrelated to the Pheu Thai party’s quest for power.
For his followers, Shinawatra’s return after 15 years is an emotional and momentous occasion. The 74-year-old billionaire garnered immense popularity through populist policies that directed resources and attention towards impoverished rural regions before his removal in a coup. His return rekindles memories of intense confrontations between his supporters, known as the “red shirts,” and his opponents, the “yellow shirts,” who uphold conservative, royalist principles.
Early in the morning, hundreds of supporters dressed in red and waving welcoming placards, congregated at the airport to welcome the former Prime Minister. With songs and chants, their anticipation reached a crescendo as Thaksin emerged from the terminal, prompting an exuberant cheer.
The Pheu Thai party has forged a coalition with pro-military factions, a move criticized by some who accuse the party of forsaking the election results and the democracy movement initiated after Shinawatra’s initial removal from power in 2006. His return holds symbolic weight, as he is widely perceived as the party’s guiding figure.
As the Pheu Thai party embarks on the task of assembling Thailand’s new government, Srettha will lead a coalition of 11 parties, including two aligned with the military. The coalition’s focus includes economic growth, higher minimum wages, an end to mandatory conscription, and upholding the legality of medical marijuana. They also pledge to work towards enhancing the democratic framework of the country.
Before the parliamentary vote, Shinawatra’s convoy proceeded from the airport to the Supreme Court, where he received an eight-year sentence from a specialised body handling cases involving former officeholders. Following this, he was directly transferred to Bangkok’s primary prison.
Considering his age and health issues, correctional officers classified him as “vulnerable.” Consequently, he will be held in isolation and closely monitored at the Bangkok Remand Prison.
As Thailand navigates these complex political waters, the return of Shinawatra continues to captivate and intrigue observers, underscoring the intricate interplay of politics, power, and personal aspirations.