Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, currently living in exile, is eager to return to his homeland before his 74th birthday on July 26th. However, a source reveals that his family is urging him to delay his return to Thailand until the coalition government has been formed. Thaksin, having fled the country to evade a prison sentence, has expressed his intentions to return home numerous times over the past 17 years. The Shinawatra family is now considering the best course of action for his return.
Previously, Thaksin had revealed his desire to return to Thailand on Twitter, explaining that he wants to be there to take care of his grandchildren. This topic was discussed at a recent family gathering in Bangkok, which included Thaksin’s ex-wife Khunying Potjaman Na Pombejra, his daughters Pintongta and Paetongtarn, and their spouses. The gathering came after Paetongtarn, one of the Pheu Thai Party’s prime ministerial candidates, publicly announced her father’s plans to return in July and face justice.
Despite his eagerness to reunite with his family and tend to his duties as a grandfather, Thaksin’s return could be postponed due to the uncertain political climate in Thailand. Concerns have also been raised about the suitability of 37-year-old Paetongtarn assuming the role of prime minister. It has been suggested that she may be too young and inexperienced to handle the tumultuous political situation and that other, more experienced candidates, such as Srettha Thavisin and Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat, may be better suited for the job.
Thaksin, who was ousted by a military coup in 2006, has lived in self-imposed exile since then, with only a brief visit to Thailand in 2008. Throughout his exile, 18 records exist of him speaking about his return. His first known mention of coming home was recorded on March 30, 2009, during a video conference with red-shirt protesters in front of Government House. In May 2021, Thaksin took to Twitter to reiterate his determination to return before his 74th birthday.
Nevertheless, Thaksin’s homecoming could face complications, as he has been sentenced to 12 years imprisonment by the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions in four separate cases. These charges include abuse of power related to state-owned land ownership, malfeasance concerning a lottery, authorizing bank loans for equipment purchases from a telecoms firm, and using nominees to hold shares in Shin Corp.
In conclusion, the former prime minister’s long-awaited return to Thailand may still be on the horizon, but the timing remains uncertain. Whether or not Thaksin will be able to reunite with his family and rejoin the political arena before his 74th birthday remains to be seen, but the situation certainly warrants close observation.
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