Bangkok: Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has returned to Thailand. Shinawatra, who became Thailand’s prime minister in 2001 and was ousted in a military coup in 2006, returned to the country after 15 years.
Thousands of supporters dressed in red gathered to welcome Thaksin Shinawatra as he arrived at Don Mueang Airport. Key leaders of Futai Party, MPs and local and foreign journalists were present. Shinawatra tried 20 times to avoid jail time and return.
Shinawatra’s return comes hours before parliament votes to elect a new prime minister. Hence the hope of the Futai Party that a new government can be formed. Before leaving Singapore, Thaksin Shinawatra said it was time to stand with the Thai people. Meanwhile, the authorities had planned to bring Shinawatra directly to the Supreme Court from the airport.
Shinawatra traveled to Thailand shortly before the Supreme Court sentenced him in 2008 for helping his wife, Khuning Potjaman Pombejra, to buy cheap land in Rachadafisek while he was prime minister. The flight was to escape criminal cases including corruption and tax evasion.
Thaksin Shinawatra remains a dominant figure in Thai politics despite his 20-year absence from the country. On his return, Shinawatra faces 12 years in prison for corruption and bribery. However, political observers say that since he is 74 years old, he will not have to stay in jail. In Thailand, criminals over the age of 70 are eligible to apply for parole or pardon.
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2023-08-22 09:28:04
