In the searing warmth at Don Mueang Airport, crowds of supporters gathered from the early morning to witness the second they’ve waited fifteen years for – the return of their fugitive former prime minister, Thaksin Shinawatra.
There had been enormous cheers as he arrived together with his three youngsters on the gate of the terminal and waved on the enormous financial institution of cameras.
Supporters, ready excitedly behind fences, cheered “we love Thaksin”.
Thailand’s former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra arrived in Bangkok on Tuesday. Pic: AP
Conscious of participating within the symbolism of this second, Mr Shinawatra positioned a floral wreath and bowed earlier than a portrait of Thailand’s king and queen.
In a nod to his pink shirt loyalists, he wore a pink tie and, on his lapel, a commemorative pin for the king.
Mr Shinawatra, the top of a famed political dynasty and a former proprietor of Manchester City Football Club, was prime minister from 2001 till he was ousted in a army coup in 2006 whereas in New York attending a UN assembly.
He is without doubt one of the most divisive figures in Thai historical past however has a powerful political observe report in profitable elections and nonetheless enjoys assist.
The presumption is that he is come again as a result of he is achieved a cope with his Royalist adversaries and ex-military rivals to maintain him out of jail.
He has 10 years of excellent legal circumstances towards him which he has at all times alleged had been politically motivated.
Police mentioned he can be taken on to the Supreme Court for a listening to, then transferred to a jail.
In an announcement, the courtroom mentioned he’ll serve eight years, however how lengthy he’ll truly keep inside is unclear.
Thaksin Shinawatra prayed in entrance of a portrait of King Maha Vajiralongkorn. Pic: AP
‘He’s a hero to the Thai individuals’
Ratchanee, 52, travelled hours to get right here.
She mentioned: “We’ve felt attached to him for more than 20 years.
“And we nonetheless use his insurance policies. So, I’ve come right here to offer him encouragement.”
While Pom, 22, said: “I believe this implies hope. I hope he will probably be pardoned and might stay together with his household.”
Thaksin Shinawatra, foreground, with, from left, his son Phantongtae, his daughters Pinthongta and Paetongtarn. Pic: AP
Her buddy, Peter, mentioned: “He’s a hero to the Thai people. He provided policies for all – rich or poor.”
For Varawut Silpa-archa, Minister of Natural Resources, the return is private in addition to political.
Mr Shinawatra presided over his marriage ceremony and he tells me seventeen years overseas “is long enough to spend outside of your home”.
He added: “The legal system will have to proceed. But what’s most important is that he’s back on Thai soil.”
Thailand’s former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra on the airport in Bangkok. Pic: AP
Return follows political gridlock
His arrival comes simply hours earlier than a vital parliamentary vote to determine whether or not Srettha Thavisin, a candidate put ahead by the Pheu Thai, the celebration related to Mr Shinawatra, can take workplace as prime minister.
If Mr Thavisin is profitable, it may finish three months of political gridlock.
Pheu Thai has pursued a controversial coalition with its longstanding enemies, becoming a member of forces with military-aligned events, claiming it is what was wanted to win.
But a few of Mr Shinawatra’s supporters imagine the celebration has deserted its democratic ideas.
It could nicely, although, have been key to getting him again to Thailand.
Content Source: information.sky.com