Srettha Thavisin‘s Unexpected Rise and Thaksin Shinawatra’s Jailbound Return Spark Intrigue in Thai Politics, Reshaping Power Dynamics
Credit: Google | On Left, Srettha Thavisi Thiland’s New Elected PM & On the Right, Thaksin Shinawatra
A significant political shift takes place in Thailand as property magnate Srettha Thavisin secures victory in a parliamentary vote, becoming the nation’s new prime minister. This electoral outcome ends weeks of uncertainty following an election that could have weakened the influence of the powerful military. Srettha, a relative newcomer to politics, gains overwhelming parliamentary support, marking a surprising rise from his prior role as the head of luxury property developer Sansiri. His successful election also coincides with the highly anticipated return of Thaksin Shinawatra, the former prime minister who fled years ago, only to return and be taken directly to jail.
Thailand's deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra went into self-imposed exile in 2008 facing a raft of corruption charges following his ouster in a military coup. Thaksin continued to retain outsized influence despite the years away https://t.co/o3heZO6B7e
— Reuters (@Reuters) August 22, 2023
Amidst the jubilation of his supporters, Thaksin arrived at a Bangkok airport and briefly met with lawmakers from the Pheu Thai party, who share his populist ideals. However, his return was swiftly followed by a transfer to the Supreme Court and then a prison cell, where he is set to serve an eight-year sentence for charges of abuse of power and conflicts of interest. Thaksin’s reappearance raises speculation about potential political deals and his eventual release, as the country witnesses his historic return after years of exile.
Srettha’s political ascent is a marked departure from his background in the luxury property industry. Tasked with forming a coalition government, Srettha faces the challenge of uniting parties with differing ideologies, including those formed by the royalist military that previously overthrew Pheu Thai governments. This intricate alliance underscores the complex nature of Thai politics, where historical divisions between the Shinawatra family and establishment figures persist.
The return of Thaksin, a charismatic figure both revered and reviled, adds further complexity to the evolving political landscape. His populist policies garnered significant support during his time as prime minister, and his abrupt departure ignited years of power struggles. While some speculate about political negotiations behind his return, Thaksin and the Pheu Thai party deny any such deals.
Ultimately, the simultaneous occurrences of Srettha Thavisin’s victory and Thaksin Shinawatra’s homecoming inject an air of uncertainty into Thai politics. As the nation grapples with these events, questions arise about the potential impact on existing power dynamics and the future course of the country’s political trajectory.
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