Bangkok: Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who has lived in self-imposed exile since his ousting in a 2006 military coup, is poised to make a much-anticipated return to Thailand on Tuesday, August 22.
This return follows a postponement due to a medical checkup. Thaksin, a former telecommunications magnate who held the prime ministerial position from 2001 to 2006, faces various criminal charges in his home country, including allegations of corruption, which could lead to his arrest upon his return.
Thaksin's reappearance on the Thai political landscape unfolds amidst a prolonged state of political uncertainty. Despite the opposition Move Forward party's triumph in the May 2023 general election, the party has encountered obstacles in forming a government due to resistance from the Senate, which is influenced by the military.
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Thaksin's Pheu Thai party, securing second place in the election, is currently engaged in efforts to establish a government. The party is poised to nominate real estate mogul Srettha Thavisin as its candidate for prime minister on the same day as Thaksin's return.
Predictably, Thaksin's arrival is set to deepen the divisions already evident in Thai politics. Revered by the rural population but maligned by the urban elite and the military, his presence is likely to spark both celebratory displays from supporters and vehement protests from detractors. The potential for demonstrations to escalate into violence remains a concern.
The fluid nature of the Thai political landscape renders predictions challenging. However, the homecoming of Thaksin marks a significant turning point that is certain to wield substantial influence over the course of Thai politics.
Thaksin's complex reputation is emblematic of the intricacies in Thai political circles. Accused of corruption and abuse of power, he simultaneously garners fervent support from the rural demographic.
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The convergence of these perspectives surrounding his return is expected to amplify the already pronounced polarization within the nation's politics. As his supporters take to the streets to welcome him, opposing factions are likely to voice their dissent through protests.
The evolving situation in Thailand defies easy prognostication, but Thaksin's imminent return stands as a pivotal juncture in the country's political narrative, with profound implications for the immediate future.
