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Thailand’s former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is set to return to the country on Tuesday, according to his daughter. Thaksin, a former telecommunications tycoon who served as prime minister from 2001 until he was removed in a 2006 coup, has been living in self-imposed exile since 2008 to avoid a prison sentence for corruption.

Thaksin’s youngest daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, announced on social media that she would meet her father at Bangkok’s Don Muang Airport on Tuesday, August 22. This news comes amid a political deadlock in Thailand following the May national election.

Thaksin had postponed his return from August 10, citing the need for a medical check-up. However, his return poses the risk of imprisonment, as he still faces a potential 10-year jail sentence. According to Deputy National Police Chief Surachate Hakparn, Thaksin would be subject to the judicial process upon his arrival.

Analysts suggest that Thaksin’s return indicates that the Thaksin-backed Pheu Thai Party has reached a deal with other political parties to form a government. It is speculated that Pheu Thai has gained support from military-backed parties, increasing Thaksin’s confidence that their prime ministerial candidate will be elected in the upcoming parliamentary vote.

Pheu Thai, currently in second place, has taken over efforts to form a government after the leader of the election-winning Move Forward party failed in his bid to become prime minister. The party is set to nominate real estate tycoon Srettha Thavisin and needs support from a majority of the bicameral legislature, including the military-appointed Senate.

The political impasse seems to have eased slightly as Pheu Thai recently gained support from a rival military-backed party. This development has raised hopes of overcoming the current deadlock and establishing a functioning government in Thailand.

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