Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin returns after 17 years in exile

Mr Thaksin, 74, arguably Thailand's most popular politician and leader of the Pheu Thai Party, made a brief appearance with family members at Don Mueang airport in Bangkok.

Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra at Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok, Thailand on August 22, 2023. Photo: Reuters

In a social media post earlier as he boarded the plane in Singapore, his sister, Ms Yingluck, said "the day my brother has been waiting for has come".

Mr Thaksin fled abroad in 2008 to avoid jail, two years after the military ousted him on charges of corruption and disloyalty to the monarchy, which he denies.

Mr Thaksin's appearance came as the House of Representatives and Senate were convening to vote on prime ministerial candidate Srettha Thavisin, a property businessman.

Mr Srettha, 60, said on Monday that Pheu Thai had failed to secure the absolute majority it had aimed for in the May election, so its only chance was to cooperate with some rival parties.

Srettha was supported by 317 lawmakers and needed 58 votes from the Senate to secure the necessary support of half the legislature.

Mai Van (according to Reuters)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/cuu-thu-tuong-thai-lan-thaksin-tro-ve-sau-nhieu-nam-song-luu-vong-post261471.html