Thailand’s Former Prime Minister, Thaksin Shinawatra, Jailed After Returning from Exile
On August 22, former prime minister of Thailand, Thaksin Shinawatra was arrested by the police at Bangkok’s Don Mueang airport and taken to court after returning from his 15 years long self-imposed exile. Shinawatra was charged with serious criminal offences, including the abuse of his power during his tenure as prime minister. Thailand's highest court ruled that Shinawatra misused his authority to shape government policies favouring Shin Corp, the family's telecommunications empire. Out of the five cases of alleged "policy corruption," Thaksin was found guilty in four instances. Notably, one case involved a $127 million low-interest government loan to Burma in 2004, with the court determining that Thaksin endorsed it to secure Burma's purchase of satellite services from Shin Satellite, then controlled by Thaksin's family. Consequently, the court ordered the seizure of 46 billion baht (£923 million) from his £1.5 billion in frozen assets.
Moreover, upon his return from exile, the court imposed a penalty of eight years of imprisonment, a sentence that Mr. Shinawatra contended was politically motivated. Speculation emerged regarding a possible arrangement between Shinawatra and Thai authorities that could have led to his return in exchange for a reduced jail term, lenient treatment, or even a potential pardon. The decision to end his exile is likely influenced by a combination of personal and political factors. On a personal level, returning from exile may indicate a desire to be present in his home country, perhaps to reconnect with his family.
Politically, Shinawatra might assess that the circumstances have changed or that there is an opportunity to engage in the political arena without facing immediate threats or risks. This is especially after the controversial reform proposals by Move Forward Party that strained its relationship with the conservative establishment, leading the Thaksin-affiliated Pheu Thai, despite finishing second, to ally with the establishment to prevent Move Forward from gaining power. This alliance was evident as Pheu Thai broke its coalition with Move Forward, partnered with military-aligned parties, and elected a prime minister.
Thaksin Shinawatra's Political Background
Shinawatra was born into a family of ethnic Chinese silk merchants in 1949. After serving as a police officer in 1973, he pursued graduate degrees in the United States. On his return, he established a computer dealership that eventually grew into Shin Corporation, Thailand's largest mobile network. His populist appeal led him to power in 2001 as the head of the Pheu Thai Party. He promised to rejuvenate Thai growth post the Asian financial crisis and assist lower-income citizens through affordable healthcare and debt relief initiatives. His policies were geared towards reducing poverty and improving living standards, making him popular among those who felt neglected by previous administrations. On the other hand, for a considerable segment of the urban middle class and the royalist elite, Thaksin was perceived as a crony capitalist who exploited the economy during his tenure as a prime minister.
In September 2006, he was ousted from power when a military coup toppled his government while he was addressing the United Nations in New York. This coup was the result of a contentious sale of his company to Singapore's Temasek for nearly $2 billion, which led to allegations of tax evasion and power abuse. Shinawatra, instead of fighting against the corruption charges, flew from Thailand in 2008.
Political Turmoil and Unrest
Since the 2006 coup, Thailand has been in political turmoil with the pro-establishment and pro-Thaksin forces also known as the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) or ‘Red Shirts’ clashing with each other. These tensions escalated into violent confrontations, most notably in the form of the "red shirt" demonstrations in 2010. The "red shirts" were supporters of Shinawatra, and their demonstrations were in response to perceived political injustices and the ousting of Shinawatra. The protests escalated and resulted in significant tensions, leading to clashes with the government and parts of Bangkok being affected. By March 12, approximately 50,000 red shirt demonstrators arrived in Bangkok in trucks adorned with large red flags and banners. Their primary demand was the prompt dissolution of parliament and the initiation of new elections. Within the week, the protest swelled to 150,000 participants, paralysing the financial district as their massive numbers disrupted traffic. To date, the country is experiencing serious political instability.
Health Concerns and Royal Pardon
During the detention, Shinawatra's health took a precarious turn as he experienced chest tightness, high blood pressure, and low oxygen levels. The Thai Corrections Department acknowledged that underlying heart disease necessitated specialised medical care, raising doubts about his immediate incarceration. As anticipated by some observers, Shinawatra sought a royal pardon, which was subsequently granted by Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn. The royal decree reduced Mr. Shinawatra's sentence from eight years to only one, citing his acceptance of guilt and expression of remorse. The document also emphasised Shinawatra's service to the country, loyalty to the monarchy, and respect for the judicial process. The aim is to utilise Shinawatra’s expertise and experience in advancing the country.
Alongside this, recent times have seen a new twist in Thailand’s politics as Pheu Thai Party, the latest incarnation of Shinawatra’s party, managed to make an alliance with a group of parties, two of which are backed by the military. As a result, political newcomer and real estate tycoon, Srettha Thavisin, became the 30th prime minister of Thailand. While supporters of the Pheu Thai party didn’t like the decision of alliance with military-backed parties, they understand the reasoning. Nevertheless, the fact that the Moving Forward party failed to make a government despite winning a poll election in May has raised questions about Thailand’s democracy.
Conclusion
The arrest and subsequent royal pardon of Shinawatra, a central figure in Thailand's political landscape, has stirred domestic and international interest. The episode highlights the ongoing political unrest in Thailand and raises questions about the country's democratic process. The arrest has undeniably set a precedent for the country's political landscape, signalling a potential shift in the power dynamics. While the former prime minister may not hold an official position, his influence and relevance in Thai politics remain noteworthy. The question of his continued relevance hinges on whether he becomes an icon for a political movement or if the authorities aim to make an example of him. Thailand has been grappling with political unrest on various fronts, with issues like pro-democracy movements and tensions between the monarchy and the people playing significant roles. The arrest could either exacerbate these tensions or serve as a step towards stability, depending on how it is perceived by the public. Nonetheless, the alliance between the Thaksin-affiliated Pheu Thai Party and military-backed parties, leading to the election of a new prime minister, reflects the evolving dynamics of power in the country. As the nation navigates this complex political terrain, it remains to be seen how the legacy and influence of Thaksin Shinawatra will continue to shape its political future.