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Once upon a brighter day, under the expansive sky where history intertwines with family bonds, former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra found herself alongside her elder brother, Thaksin Shinawatra, aboard his private jet. This was just before Thaksin’s dramatic return to Thailand in the latter part of August last year, a moment captured and shared for the world to see on Yingluck’s Facebook page. A snapshot in time, this image epitomized the unity and enduring saga of the Shinawatra family.
In the serene landscape of CHIANG MAI, amidst the tranquil ambiance of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, a revered sanctuary in the northern province, Thaksin Shinawatra pondered aloud the future of his sister Yingluck. His words, filled with hope and a dose of elder brotherly concern, resonated through the hallowed grounds. “I hope my ex-PM sister Yingluck Shinawatra can return to our beloved country this year,” he mused, as he contemplated the paths that could lead to her return. It was Thaksin himself, fresh from being paroled in February, who longed for a family reunion that would see Yingluck stepping foot on Thai soil once again.
Thaksin’s visit to the sacred temple was not just a spiritual journey, but a mission tinted with familial devotion. “Before arriving in Chiang Mai, Yingluck extended her best Thai New Year wishes to me,” Thaksin recounted, revealing the depth of their kinship. “And I told her, we should be able to make merit together here in Chiang Mai, especially during the Songkran festival next year.” At age 75, Thaksin’s yearning for reuniting with his 57-year-old sister Yingluck, disclosed a poignant chapter in their lives.
Despite the distance, Yingluck’s spirit seemed to wander the lands of Thailand, her heart aching for home. “Yingluck, she seems to be feeling lonely abroad,” Thaksin mused, indicating a shared sentiment of longing. “And she desires nothing more than to return.” The complexities that clouded Thaksin’s own situation seemed less daunting when it came to Yingluck. “Her case is not as complicated as mine,” he asserted, shedding a ray of hope on the possibility of her return with only one legal hurdle in her path.
Thaksin, ever the optimist, envisioned Yingluck’s return not just as a possibility but as an impending reality. “There will be answers for the majority of society,” he declared, undeterred by the potential backlash from a minority opposition. This confidence emerged even amidst speculations of whether his efforts to bring Yingluck back would spark controversy, following his own dramatic return.
The narrative of Yingluck’s saga took a tumultuous turn when the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Persons Holding Political Positions sentenced her to five years in jail, back on September 27, 2017. This daunting verdict, for failing to halt fraudulent and corruption-tainted government-to-government rice sales, came from the government’s rice-pledging scheme. But in an unexpected twist of fate, the pronouncement of her judgment, scheduled initially for August 25, 2017, was deferred when she failed to appear, leading to a warrant issued for her arrest.
Legends tell of Yingluck fleeing the country to rejoin Thaksin in Dubai, a precursor to the court’s decision. Yet, as the wheel of fortune spins, in December of the previous year, she was acquitted by the Supreme Court of malfeasance in her 2011 transfer of a National Security Council secretary-general. A subsequent acquittal came just last month, absolving her of malfeasance and collusion in a campaign to promote her government’s 2-trillion-baht infrastructure projects.
In this saga of resilience, redemption, and the unwavering bond of siblinghood, the Shinawatras’ tale continues to unfold. From the hallowed grounds of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep to the bustling streets of Chiang Mai during Songkran, hope lingers for a reunion not just of Thaksin and Yingluck, but of a family with their homeland. The dance of democracy, justice, and familial ties plays on, under the watchful eyes of Thailand and the world.
The Shinawatras have always put their family first, often at the expense of Thailand’s progress. It’s time we move past these political dynasties and embrace leaders who prioritize the nation’s needs over their own.
I respectfully disagree. The Shinawatra era brought about significant advancements in healthcare and infrastructure. It’s unfair to dismiss their contributions based purely on political bias.
Advancements that were riddled with corruption and mismanagement. How quickly we forget the rice scheme scandal that left farmers in ruin. Progress under their governance? More like regress.
It’s more complicated than just black and white. Both sides have their flaws and achievements. The real question is, can Yingluck’s return actually benefit Thailand, or is it merely symbolic?
Witnessing Thaksin talking about sibling love and unity hits differently when you know the political turmoil their family has caused. But then again, who doesn’t want a united family?
Family unity is one thing, but when it comes at the cost of the country’s stability and prosperity, it’s hard to look at this reunion favorably.
Do people really believe Yingluck feels ‘lonely abroad’? Seems like a convenient narrative to garner sympathy. The elite have their luxurious exiles, while average Thais face the repercussions of their policies.
Spot on, Joe. The ‘loneliness’ of luxury exile is hardly a plight. Meanwhile, the real issues faced by Thais get sidelined in this ongoing political drama.
I think it’s crucial we analyze Thaksin’s comments on Yingluck’s case being ‘not as complicated’. If true, her return could mark a significant shift in Thai politics. Possibly even pave the way for reconciliation.
Reconciliation? With the Shinawatras? That’s optimistic to say the least. Their return could just as easily reignite old tensions. This isn’t just about legal hurdles; it’s about the deep political divide in Thailand.
True, the divide is deep, but aren’t we in dire need of some form of closure? Maybe her return, handled correctly, could be a step towards that.
The article paints a somewhat poetic picture of the Shinawatra saga. But we mustn’t forget the reality of their governance. History shouldn’t be overlooked in favor of a nostalgic reunion.
Honestly, I’m more concerned about how this all affects Thailand’s standing on the global stage. Political stability is key for economic growth and international relations.
Exactly, LisaM. Thailand’s image has taken hits due to political instability. Yingluck’s return could either mend or exacerbate this, depending on how it’s executed.
Investors are definitely watching this closely. Stability is crucial, but so is a clear, fair legal framework. The outcome here could signal what direction Thailand is heading.
This reads like a modern-day saga indeed, but let’s remember the countless individuals affected by their policies. It’s more than just a story of sibling reunion; it’s a reminder of the complexities of governance.