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Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has arrived back in Thailand after spending 15 years in self-imposed exile. Thaksin, who amassed his fortune in the telecommunications industry, flew from Singapore on a private plane and landed at Bangkok’s Don Mueang airport.

Supporters of Thaksin, dressed in red, celebrated and rejoiced upon hearing the news of his return, despite earlier reports suggesting that he might be arrested upon entering the country. Thaksin’s sister, former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, shared a video on TikTok showing him boarding the aircraft in a dark suit with a red tie.

Thaksin initially rose to power in 2001 with a populist agenda that resonated with rural Thais. He secured a landslide victory in the elections five years later. However, in September 2006, while Thaksin was in New York preparing to address the United Nations, a military coup took place, overthrowing his government.

Subsequently, Thaksin was found guilty of abuse of power and chose to live in exile, primarily residing in Dubai. Thailand experienced political turmoil as pro-Thaksin and rival pro-establishment factions took to the streets. The country has since witnessed a series of elections and coups, often marked by violent crackdowns on street protests which resulted in numerous fatalities.

In the most recent elections held in May, Thaksin’s party, Pheu Thai, came in second place. Due to the military-backed senators in the upper house refusing to support the progressive Move Forward party’s bid to form a government, Pheu Thai has managed to forge alliances with other parties, including those with military backing.

Later today, a vote will take place that could potentially result in the appointment of Srettha Thavisin, a property tycoon and member of Thaksin’s party, as the next prime minister of Thailand.

The post Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra Returns Home after 15 Years in Exile appeared first on ISP Today.