BANGKOK: In a move that could potentially reshape the political landscape of Thailand, self-exiled former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has announced his return to the country on Tuesday, August 22nd.
This revelation comes after months of political ambiguity following the national election held in May.
Thaksin’s daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, shared the news through a social media post, detailing the scheduled return at 0900 hours at Bangkok’s Don Muang Airport. The timing of this decision holds significance as it coincides with another critical event – a parliamentary vote for the prime minister’s position, facilitated by the Thaksin-affiliated Pheu Thai Party.
Initially slated to return on August 10th, Thaksin postponed his plans, citing the necessity for a medical evaluation. The former telecommunications magnate, who served as Thailand’s prime minister from 2001 until his ousting due to a 2006 coup, has since lived in self-imposed exile to evade a jail sentence related to corruption charges in 2008. Despite his intentions to come back to Thailand, Thaksin remains susceptible to imprisonment upon his return.
The upcoming prime ministerial vote carries considerable importance, and the Pheu Thai Party’s involvement adds a layer of complexity to an already intricate situation. This party, which stands second in recent electoral rankings, has assumed the responsibility of forming a government following the unsuccessful bid by the leader of the Move Forward party, which won the election.
Pheu Thai is positioned to propose Srettha Thavisin, a prominent figure in the real estate sector, as their nominee for the prime minister’s role. However, the party must garner support from over half of the bicameral legislature, which includes the military-appointed Senate, in order to solidify their nominee’s position.
