Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra Returns from Exile: Jail Time Shortened as Party Gains Power

BANGKOK, KOMPAS.com – Former Thai Prime Minister (PM) Thaksin Shinawatra was immediately jailed after returning from exile on Tuesday (22/8/2023).

However, his time behind bars is believed to be shortened as his party is at the peak of power.

The billionaire landed on a private jet at Don Mueang airport, Bangkok, at 09.00 local time.

Also read: The sensation of Thaksin Shinawatra’s return to Thailand after 15 years in exile

His arrival was greeted by hundreds of supporters with “Red Shirts” waving banners and singing.

Upon arrival at the airport terminal, Thaksin (74), bowed and presented a bouquet of flowers to a portrait of King Maha Vajiralongkorn as a mark of respect.

He then waved to his supporters.

More Red Shirt supporters marched through the streets as the former Manchester City owner was taken before Thailand’s Supreme Court.

There, he was ordered to serve eight years for the three sentences handed down in his absence.

It’s related to the former Shin Corp company, it’s related to a bank loan, and a lottery case.

However, it is not clear how long Thaksin will remain in prison.

Also read: Thaksin’s Return Overshadows Thai PM Election

Thaksin’s return comes just hours before Thailand’s parliament is expected to install business tycoon Srettha Thavisin as Thailand’s prime minister under a coalition led by the Pheu Thai party – the latest incarnation of Thaksin’s political movement.

The timing of Thaksin’s return, with his party on the verge of taking power, led many to speculate that a behind-the-scenes deal was being worked out to grant him leniency.

“Welcome back to Thailand, father. My father has now arrived in Thailand safely and has entered legal proceedings,” his daughter, Paetongtarn, wrote on Instagram.

He uploaded a photo of Thaksin with his three children and seven grandchildren in the airport’s VIP lounge.

Thaksin said he was ready to face justice so he could return home and meet his grandchildren.

Previously, he said that the criminal charges against him were politically motivated.

“I want to ask permission to return to live on Thai soil and share air with my Thai brothers and sisters,” he wrote on Monday (21/8/2023), on his X account.

Despite being away from the country for a long time, Thaksin remains the most influential and controversial politician of modern times.

Also read: Former Thai PM Thaksin Shinawatra to Return from Exile

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2023-08-22 07:05:00
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