Bankok: In a seismic turn of events, Thailand witnessed the dramatic return of its former Prime Minister, Thaksin Shinawatra, as he stepped back on home soil after a 15-year exile. 

However, his homecoming was far from triumphant, as he was immediately apprehended by authorities and subsequently sentenced to two years in jail for abuse of power in 2008. 

Thaksin's tumultuous journey has ignited protests, legal battles, and political uncertainty, underscoring his enduring impact on the nation's complex political landscape.

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Thaksin, a polarizing figure in Thai politics, had sought refuge in Dubai, evading his 2008 in absentia sentence. His arrival in Bangkok marked a stark reversal of fortune, as he was swiftly arrested by the police and brought before the Criminal Court. 

There, he faced his sentence of two years in jail, coupled with a hefty fine of 10 million baht (approximately $330,000).

The former prime minister's supporters rallied across Bangkok and other cities, decrying what they deemed political persecution orchestrated by the government. 

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As his legal battle unfolds, Thaksin's lawyer, Noppadon Pattama, announced plans to appeal the verdict, setting the stage for further legal confrontations.

Thaksin's influence has been deeply entrenched in the political realm, having founded the Pheu Thai Party, which currently holds the title of the largest party in the Thai parliament. 

With the recent elections concluded, the party is poised to shape a new government, underlining the far-reaching consequences of Thaksin's actions.

Born in 1949, Thaksin, a former telecommunications tycoon, ascended to the role of prime minister in 2001, steering the nation's course until his overthrow by a military coup in 2006. 

His dynamic personality has sparked a dichotomous perception: hailed by the rural poor while regarded as authoritarian and tainted by corruption by segments of the Bangkok elite.

Thaksin's comeback is not just a personal saga, but an event with sweeping implications for Thailand's political fabric. His return is expected to rekindle the smoldering political divisions that have characterized the nation's landscape for years.

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The ramifications of Thaksin's imprisonment remain uncertain, and its impact on Thai politics is a source of intense speculation. His reappearance on the national stage has unleashed a wave of uncertainty and tension, as the nation grapples with the resurgence of a figure who has both captivated and polarized its citizens.

As the Thai political landscape navigates this new chapter, the spotlight remains fixed on the unfolding events surrounding Thaksin Shinawatra's return, heralding a period of pivotal change and potential upheaval in the country's journey forward.