Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra returned to Thailand on Tuesday, putting an end to his 15-year exile. He was greeted at Don Muang International Airport in Bangkok by members of the Pheu Thai party and well-wishers. Thaksin, who has been living in Dubai for most of his time abroad, announced his comeback on social media following a previously postponed return.
Aug. 22 (UPI) — Exiled former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra returned to Thailand on Tuesday 15 years after fleeing corruption charges after he was ousted in a military coup.
Thaksin, who has spent most of his time abroad living in Dubai, announced his comeback on social media after a previously announced return on Aug. 10 was postponed to allow time for a medical.
“Tomorrow at 9 o’clock I would like to request permission to return to live in the land of Thailand and breathe the same air as my Thai brothers and sisters,” Thaksin wrote in a Twitter post on Monday.
Upon his arrival in Bangkok from Singapore, Thaksin was detained and taken to the Supreme Court, where he received an eight-year prison sentence. This sentence adds to the 12-year term he has been given across multiple corruption cases. Thaksin has consistently claimed that his legal troubles are a deliberate attempt by political opponents to suppress him.
Given his ability to avoid Thai authorities for such a long period, there is speculation that his highly orchestrated return suggests a possible deal in which he will serve only a symbolic jail term. Thaksin may also seek a royal pardon from King Vajiralongkorn, as authorities at Bangkok Remand Prison have indicated that he can submit a petition immediately. The outcome of this petition, however, may take up to two months to be determined.
In court, Thaksin received concurrent three-year and two-year sentences for a conflict of interest case and abuse of power. The charges were related to a loan given to Myanmar at a below-market interest rate and the establishment of a lottery without legal authority. He was also given a five-year sentence for misconduct during his term as prime minister, which ended in 2006 with a military coup.
Thaksin’s return coincided with parliament’s vote to select a new prime minister after failed elections. The Pheu Thai Party, which Thaksin supports, is leading efforts to form a government.
