Srettha Thavisin emerged victorious in the parliamentary vote on Tuesday, securing his position as Thailand’s next prime minister. Thavisin’s strategic move involved forming an alliance with former adversaries who were supporters of military governance. The image accompanying this news shows Srettha Thavisin celebrating his victory. [Source: Rungroj Yongrit/EPA-EFE]
Aug. 22 (UPI) — Finally breaking months of deadlock, Srettha Thavisin achieved an important milestone, becoming the prime minister of Thailand. The political landscape was significantly altered 15 years ago by a military coup that ousted his predecessor. Thavisin is a member of the Pheu Thai Party, formed by the former Thai Prime Minister, Thaksin Shinawatra, who was overthrown by the military with the support of certain sections within the Thai political establishment in 2006. [Source: Time]
Following the coup, Thaksin fled Thailand to evade corruption charges leveled against him.
While Srettha Thavisin cemented his new role through a parliamentary vote of 482-747, Thaksin was making his return from exile.
Thaksin expressed his desire to return to Thailand at 9 o’clock the next day and enjoy the company of his fellow countrymen. However, upon landing at Bangkok’s Don Muang International Airport, he was promptly arrested and sentenced to eight years in prison by the Supreme Court. [Source: CNBC]
Thaksin has condemned the charges against him, claiming they are politically motivated.
There is speculation that Thaksin may have struck a deal to reduce his prison sentence or is seeking a pardon from King Vajiralongkorn.
Thaksin’s tenure as prime minister was marked by a tough approach towards the Islamist insurgency in Southern Thailand and a controversial war on drugs, which resulted in the loss of thousands of lives. These actions, along with other factors, led to his ouster in 2006, supported by the then-King Bhumibol.
Initially, Srettha Thavisin’s Pheu Thai Party formed an alliance with the Move Forward Party, which opposed military rule and secured the highest number of votes in the first round of elections. However, due to the prevention of Move Forward leader Pita Limjaroenrat from assuming power, Pheu Thai switched sides and joined forces with pro-military parties.
Move Forward has been advocating for amendments to Thailand’s lese-majeste laws, which criminalize insulting the king and have been used to suppress pro-democracy protests.
After 15 years since his predecessor’s removal from power, Srettha Thavisin assumes the role of prime minister with a coalition comprising former rivals. It signifies a remarkable turn of events in Thai politics.
