Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has requested a royal pardon, according to the outgoing justice minister. This comes just over a week after Thaksin’s return to Thailand following more than 15 years in self-exile. Thaksin, who led a prominent political dynasty, served as prime minister from 2001 until he was ousted in a military coup in 2006. He briefly returned to Thailand in 2008 before fleeing the country due to a corruption conviction.
Outgoing Justice Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam confirmed on Thursday that he had received Thaksin’s letter requesting a royal pardon from King Maha Vajiralongkorn. Wissanu, a seasoned politician who has served under Thaksin and subsequent military juntas, stated that the request will be processed in accordance with the rules and ultimately depends on the king’s decision.
Thaksin, 74, arrived in Thailand on August 22 via a private jet and was met by his family and supporters in Bangkok. He was immediately taken into custody and sentenced by the Supreme Court to eight years in prison for conflict of interest, abuse of power, and corruption during his time in power. These charges were made in absentia during his self-imposed exile.
After a medical check-up, Thaksin was initially taken to prison but was later transferred to a hospital due to health issues including chest tightness, high blood pressure, and low oxygen levels. The Thai Corrections Department stated that his underlying heart disease could not be treated at a prison hospital and that he required specialist care. Analysts believe it is unlikely that Thaksin will serve time in jail for now.
Shortly after Thaksin’s return, parliament selected Srettha Thavisin of the populist Pheu Thai party as the country’s 30th prime minister. To secure the necessary parliamentary votes, Pheu Thai formed a coalition with two military-backed parties associated with the military junta that overthrew Thaksin’s sister Yingluck Shinawatra’s democratically elected government almost a decade ago.
Pheu Thai is the latest party from the influential Shinawatra political dynasty founded by Thaksin, which has been a dominant force in Thai politics for the past 20 years. Some analysts speculate that Thaksin may have struck a deal with the country’s powerful conservative and royalist establishment for his return, potentially resulting in a reduced jail term, lenient treatment, or a possible pardon. However, Thaksin has reportedly denied making any such arrangement.
The duration of the application process for a royal pardon remains unclear. In Thailand, prisoners can request a royal pardon through the justice minister, who then passes the application to the prime minister and ultimately to the king for final approval. With the caretaker government led by outgoing Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha having only a few weeks left in power, the new government, along with the new prime minister and Thaksin ally Srettha, will soon be sworn in.
Thaksin is a controversial figure, known as a billionaire telecommunications mogul who gained political power through policies that appealed to Thailand’s rural poor, who constitute the majority of the population. However, his policies were strongly opposed by the country’s wealthy elites and conservatives, who accused him of being a dangerous and corrupt populist.
How does Thaksin’s return and request for a royal pardon contribute to the ongoing political tensions and power struggle in Thailand
Ase requires close monitoring and appropriate medical treatment.
Thaksin’s request for a royal pardon is seen by many as a strategic move to secure his release from prison. A royal pardon, if granted, would effectively wipe out his criminal convictions and allow him to reclaim his political rights. It is worth noting that Thaksin’s sister, Yingluck Shinawatra, who also served as prime minister, received a similar pardon in 2017 after being convicted of negligence related to a rice subsidy program.
Thaksin’s return to Thailand has sparked mixed reactions among the public. Supporters see him as a social and economic reformer who championed populist policies that benefited the rural poor. They believe that he was unfairly persecuted by the Thai establishment and see his return as an opportunity for him to continue his political agenda.
However, Thaksin’s detractors view him as a corrupt and authoritarian leader who abused his power for personal gain. They argue that his return poses a threat to Thailand’s fragile democracy and could further divide the already polarized society.
The outcome of Thaksin’s request for a royal pardon remains uncertain. It ultimately falls on King Maha Vajiralongkorn to make a decision, and his position on the matter is unknown. The monarchy in Thailand holds significant symbolic and political power, and its role in this case could have far-reaching implications.
Regardless of the outcome, Thaksin’s return and subsequent request for a royal pardon have reignited political tensions in Thailand. The country has been marked by recurring pro-democracy protests and a persistent power struggle between the old political order and the emerging youth-led movement. Thaksin’s return may further complicate these dynamics and shape the future trajectory of Thai politics.
It’s interesting to see how politics can shift so drastically, even for former prime ministers.