Thaksin Shinawatra postpones return to Thailand.
Thailand’s ex-prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra has postponed his return to Thailand. Thaksin is 74 years old and is also known as a businessman with billions in his hand. The ex-PM was elected twice and removed in a military coup that took place in 2006. Thaksin has made it no secret that he wants to return home, his main reason is to see his family, especially his grandchildren. Thaksin previously made it public that he was returning to Thailand on 10 August 2023. He left Thailand in self-exile and has been out of the country for 15 years.
Thaksin announced his plans have changed on X (Twitter) stating “I am postponing my return to Thailand. No later than 2 weeks after the 10th. I will announce my return date again. I have to go to a doctor’s appointment”. He is a former telecoms tycoon and is known in Thailand to hold both high positions in politics and as one of Thailand’s wealthiest persons. Thaksin’s return was first announced by his daughter “Paetongtarn Shinawatra” 36 years old. She is also a member of the Pheu Thai Party. The party came second in the latest election and is also seen as one of the leading prime minister candidates.
Although Thaksin’s name has been long gone from Thai politics, his ties have remained in the political scene. The party connected to him usually wins the election but their journey has not been easy due to military coups. Following the latest election, where the Move Forward party won but its leader Pita Limjaroenrat did not get the majority vote in parliament. Resulting in tense political drama in the nation, Thaksin’s announcement to return home intensified the situation. No matter the date, Thaksin will face up to 10 years in prison as soon as he steps off the plane in Thailand.
FB Caption: Thaksin will not be returning on August 10 due to health check.
Source: Aljazeera, Khaosod
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