Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, age 74, had been convicted on criminal charges, was sentenced to 10 years in prison, but fled the country and has been living in exile for 17 years. However, he is still highly popular in Thailand.
Now he is saying he will return to Thailand in July, regardless of the consequences even if he will have to serve his prison sentence.
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Thaksin says he will return to Thailand in July, despite potential consequences
by ThaiPBSworld
June 2, 2023
Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra is determined to return to Thailand in July, after about 17 years of living in exile, regardless of the risk that he will be forced to serve the 10-year prison term from which he fled.
His birthday is on July 26th.
In a recent interview, recorded in Singapore, Thaksin reiterated his plan to return to Thailand, adding “I have said before and have reconfirmed that. I am waiting for Ung Ing (Paetongtarn, his daughter) to set the date, the timing.”
He said that he wants to be able to care for his seven grandchildren, to relieve the burden on their parents, so they can focus on work.
According to extracts from the interview, when asked whether he may become prime minister again, Thaksin claimed that he is too old to play politics, adding “It is beyond my era. This is the era of the new generation, not an era of the old people. We old people can offer advice to, but not force (the new generation) because we cannot catch up with them. We old people may understand the children, but it is like the understanding of English by people who learned English in Thailand, who are no match for those who grew up abroad and who are more proficient in the language.”
He said “I have a long history, but my future is short. The new-generation has a short history but a long future. They have better vision for the future than we do, because we have short future.”
Asked if we are in a “new world”, Thaksin replied “Yes, in English it is called a paradigm shift. The way the young people think has changed. We old people think we can catch up. I read a lot, but only up to a certain level. Not up to their profound level of thinking.”
https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thaksin-sa ... sequences/
The return of Thaksin - maybe
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Re: The return of Thaksin - maybe
Thaksin's planned return 'depends on situation'
Country must first be free of conflict, says daughter Paetongtarn
June 7, 2023
Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra still plans to return in July but when this will actually happen depends on the situation in the country, his daughter Paetongtarn "Ung-ing" Shinawatra said on Wednesday.
Thaksin was making progress in preparing for his return, and this might include liaising with the relevant government agencies, Ms Paetongtarn said at Pheu Thai Party headquarters.
Her family was also preparing for his return "in terms of convenience and safety", Ms Paetongtarn said.
"Many forms of reception are being prepared because it is not known what will be required, or happen," she said.
The family also awaited Thaksin's instructions on what else should be done in readiness for his return, said Ms Paetongtarn, leader of the "Pheu Thai family".
For the time being, the schedule for his return remained unchanged for July. "However, it also depends on the political and national situation," she said.
"His return is important. I'd like him to return when the timing is good and free of conflict. Suitability is a priority," she said.
Upon his return, Thaksin would enter the justice system regardless of what government is in power, she said.
Convicts can now seek detention outside prison
Thaksin was overthrown by a military coup on Sept 19, 2006, while he was overseas. He has since lived in self-imposed exile, except for a brief visit to Thailand in 2008.
During his absence from the country, the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions sentenced him to a total of 12 years imprisonment in four cases.
In the first case, the court found him guilty of abuse of power in his then-wife Khunying Potjaman's purchase of state-owned land in Ratchadapisek area for less than the market value. In October 2008, he was sentenced to two years in prison. The 10-year statute of limitations on the court ruling expired in October 2018.
In the second case, Thaksin was sentenced to two years in prison after he was found guilty of malfeasance in a case concerning the two- and three-digit lottery.
In the third case, Thaksin was handed down three years in rison for abusing his position by authorising loans totaling 4 billion baht to Myanmar by the Export-Import Bank of Thailand. The loans were used to buy equipment from a telecoms firm owned by his family.
In the fourth case, the former prime minister was sentenced to five years in prison when the court found him guilty of using nominees to hold shares in Shin Corp. The law prohibits any political office holder from owning shares in a telecommunications company.
The statutes of limitation for the court decisions on the second, third and fourth cases have not expired.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/po ... -situation
Country must first be free of conflict, says daughter Paetongtarn
June 7, 2023
Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra still plans to return in July but when this will actually happen depends on the situation in the country, his daughter Paetongtarn "Ung-ing" Shinawatra said on Wednesday.
Thaksin was making progress in preparing for his return, and this might include liaising with the relevant government agencies, Ms Paetongtarn said at Pheu Thai Party headquarters.
Her family was also preparing for his return "in terms of convenience and safety", Ms Paetongtarn said.
"Many forms of reception are being prepared because it is not known what will be required, or happen," she said.
The family also awaited Thaksin's instructions on what else should be done in readiness for his return, said Ms Paetongtarn, leader of the "Pheu Thai family".
For the time being, the schedule for his return remained unchanged for July. "However, it also depends on the political and national situation," she said.
"His return is important. I'd like him to return when the timing is good and free of conflict. Suitability is a priority," she said.
Upon his return, Thaksin would enter the justice system regardless of what government is in power, she said.
Convicts can now seek detention outside prison
Thaksin was overthrown by a military coup on Sept 19, 2006, while he was overseas. He has since lived in self-imposed exile, except for a brief visit to Thailand in 2008.
During his absence from the country, the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions sentenced him to a total of 12 years imprisonment in four cases.
In the first case, the court found him guilty of abuse of power in his then-wife Khunying Potjaman's purchase of state-owned land in Ratchadapisek area for less than the market value. In October 2008, he was sentenced to two years in prison. The 10-year statute of limitations on the court ruling expired in October 2018.
In the second case, Thaksin was sentenced to two years in prison after he was found guilty of malfeasance in a case concerning the two- and three-digit lottery.
In the third case, Thaksin was handed down three years in rison for abusing his position by authorising loans totaling 4 billion baht to Myanmar by the Export-Import Bank of Thailand. The loans were used to buy equipment from a telecoms firm owned by his family.
In the fourth case, the former prime minister was sentenced to five years in prison when the court found him guilty of using nominees to hold shares in Shin Corp. The law prohibits any political office holder from owning shares in a telecommunications company.
The statutes of limitation for the court decisions on the second, third and fourth cases have not expired.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/po ... -situation