The sun-kissed rooftops of London have been playing host to a rather elusive guest for the past few years. Yingluck Shinawatra, the former prime minister of Thailand, has made this iconic city her haven since she fled her homeland seven years ago. Now 57, Yingluck is living the quintessential London dream, with her nostalgia for home simmering just beneath the surface. But could the winds of change be setting her stage for a grand return?
The idea of Yingluck returning to Thailand isn’t just whispers in the wind anymore. News surfaced recently when Wissanu Krea-ngam, the erstwhile deputy prime minister and legal sage, hinted at such a possibility. On a tranquil Tuesday, while the hustle and bustle of everyday life continued, Wissanu addressed these stirrings among the press. He suggested that Yingluck could indeed walk a path parallel to her brother’s, albeit under the critical gaze of Thai law.
Rewind to August 22 of last year, when Yingluck’s elder sibling, Thaksin Shinawatra, made an audacious return after 15 long years of self-imposed exile. Thaksin submitted himself to the wheels of justice only to emerge on parole in February this year, leaving many to speculate about his sister’s possible mirror image journey.
Could Yingluck be poised on the cusp of a homecoming of her own? Recent adjustments to the Department of Corrections’ policies fuel such speculation, with new rules on out-of-prison detention appearing to some like a perfect fit for the erstwhile premiere. Yet, the Ministry of Justice waves off these rumors, attributing the changes to pure coincidence.
Fuel was further added to the speculative fire when Nikkei Asia reported on an interview with Thaksin in which he optimistically predicted his sister’s return around the Songkran festival next April. In Thaksin’s eyes, Thaialnd’s most joyous splash of water seemed only a slight ripple to his sister’s comeback.
Flash back to 2017, a time when Yingluck fled Thailand. The Supreme Court was poised to hand down a hefty five-year sentence following a corruption scandal related to mismanaged rice sales—a financial debacle that saw hundreds of billions of baht evaporate into the ether. A return for Yingluck would undoubtedly mean revisiting this legal labyrinth. Mr. Wissanu highlighted the importance of Yingluck adhering to the due course of law, much like her brother did before her.
When Thaksin made his return, it was with a splash that saw him inside a cell. Although it wasn’t quite Dickensian, as within hours the man found shelter in the Police General Hospital. His hospitality there came with a princely tag of 8,500 baht a night, and stretched over a cozy six-month term before his parole liberation.
Wissanu recalled Thaksin’s difficult day of return, stating that while his accommodations were unbarred, they still counted as cells by all legal definition. Nevertheless, the whispers of Thaksin’s health, or the measures of care he received, remain curiously, if not conveniently, under wraps. Since then, the 75-year-old Thaksin appears to have made a proud comeback to vigor and verve.
As for Yingluck, people’s gazes turn to her as a figure without any significant health troubles. As Wissanu suggested, should she decide to face her past and the country’s laws, she might find a similar tale of incarceration awaiting her. Yet, petitions for royal pardons is territory he diplomatically sidestepped.
All eyes are now on the horizon as Thailand stands by for what could be another dramatic episode of political theatre. Will the stars finally align for the return of Yingluck Shinawatra? Only time will tell. One thing is certain: the story is far from over, and the world is watching every act unfold with bated breath.
I don’t get why people are so excited about Yingluck coming back. Didn’t she flee because of corruption charges?
Exactly! She ran away to avoid justice. Her return shouldn’t be a cause for celebration.
Well, she also had a lot of supporters who thought the charges were politically motivated.
It’s more complicated than that, Joe. Politics in Thailand is a real mess, mix of power and corruption on all sides.
If Yingluck returns, it could mean more instability in Thailand. Do we really want that?
Instability is the last thing Thailand needs right now. Things are fragile enough as it is.
Political instability might be bad, but sometimes shaking things up leads to necessary change.
That’s hopeful thinking, Lila. But usually, it’s the wrong kind of shakeup.
Thaksin got such special treatment when he returned. Do you think Yingluck will get the same?
With enough money and influence, anything’s possible in politics, Sam.
He’s right. Money talks, especially in politics.
I think it’s important to remember the economic impacts of their policies when discussing Yingluck and Thaksin.
Yes, their policies were controversial but beneficial to some sectors. It wasn’t all bad.
But let’s not forget the humanitarian crisis they caused with their projects.
Would she actually face jail time coming back now, especially if her brother didn’t?
The news surrounding Yingluck just seems like a soap opera to me. How do we even know these rumors are true?
It’s the drama that keeps people interested, I think. But you’re right, it’s hard to tell fact from fiction.
The timing of all this is suspicious. Are we really sure this isn’t just a distraction from bigger issues in Thailand?
It’s always possible. Political maneuvers often distract from pressing issues, Roger.
Yingluck’s return could pave the way for more female leadership in Thai politics. That’s something to look forward to!
But should we focus on her gender, or her track record and allegations against her, Becky?
Don’t people realize that her return could just be theatrics for the upcoming elections? Politicians love a good comeback story.
Honestly, I’m just curious to see how the law will truly handle her case. Fair trial or political circus?
You know, I’ve always wondered if the Shinawatras still have much influence in Thailand. Maybe this will give us a clear answer.
Has anyone thought about how Yingluck’s return might affect Thailand’s international relationships?
That’s a good point, Joe. Particularly with neighboring countries like China and Vietnam.
Why is the Thai government even considering allowing her back? Seems like a recipe for a political disaster.
Some think it’s because they’re trying to show they’re open to reconciliation and moving forward.
If she comes back, I hope it’s with some accountability and not more excuses.
I’m actually fascinated by the legal aspects of this return. Will the laws have changed enough to make her case different from Thaksin’s?
Law in politics is just as much about optics as it is about justice, sadly.
It’s all just a distraction from the real issues facing Thailand right now.