September 10, 2025

Thaksin Shinawatra, a name that divides Thailand like no other, is back in the news – this time with a one-year jail sentence shaking his political empire. Loved by rural voters and hated by the powerful elite, the 76-year-old former Prime Minister transformed Thai politics since the early 2000s with his bold, populist moves. Thaksin’s rise wasn’t easy. Born on July 26, 1949, in northern Chiang Mai, he first shone as a police officer before turning into a telecom tycoon with his company Shin Corp. He launched the Thai Rak Thai party in 1998 and won the PM seat in 2001, promising to lift villagers out of poverty during tough economic times. His policies brought huge support from rural Thailand, helping him win again in 2005 in a landslide. But there was a dark side – his "war on drugs" led to thousands of killings outside the law, drawing strong criticism worldwide. Corruption accusations and scandals around his telecom shares plunged his reign into chaos. In 2006, amid mass protests and political uproar, the army seized power while he was abroad. Thaksin went into exile but kept stirring Thai politics from Dubai. His sister Yingluck became Prime Minister in 2011, with their Pheu Thai party standing as his political vehicle. In August 2023, Thaksin made a dramatic return to Bangkok, cheered by supporters as Pheu Thai came back to power. But the celebrations were short-lived. He was immediately jailed for corruption charges but quickly moved to a hospital due to health reasons. The King reduced his sentence to one year, and Thaksin moved back to his home, avoiding prison until now. This Tuesday, the Supreme Court ruled that Thaksin didn’t serve his full sentence properly and ordered him to start his prison term immediately. His daughter, Paetongtarn, proud of her father’s legacy, called it "another historic moment" and said he remains the party’s "spiritual leader." Thailand’s political scene is now buzzing, with new Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul promising elections within four months. Will Thaksin’s powerful legacy continue to influence Thai politics, or is this the beginning of the end for his family’s rule? One thing’s for sure – the drama isn’t over yet!

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Tags: Thaksin shinawatra, Thailand politics, Pheu thai party, Thai prime minister, Court sentence, Political dynasty,