Many believe Thaksin Shinawatra’s arrival is connected with the Pheu Thai party’s pursuit of power.
Divisive ex-prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra returned to Thailand on Tuesday after years of self-imposed exile to face possible criminal penalties on the same day that a party affiliated with him plans to start forming a new government
Makawan Payakkae, a 43-year-old from Maha Sarakham province, said: “I feel fulfilled that I travelled here today to pick him up. If possible I want to hug him. Everyone has tears, tears coming out of their eyes.” Mr Thaksin’s convoy first went to the Supreme Court, where a news release said he would be formally informed of earlier convictions issued in absentia for which he was sentenced to a total of 10 years’ imprisonment.
Move Forward’s reform agenda appealed deeply to many Thais, particularly younger voters who were disenchanted by nearly a decade of military-backed rule, but was seen as a threat by the country’s conservative elites. Mr Srettha needs some support from the non-elected Senate, appointed by a previous military government, to achieve a majority in the combined parliamentary vote.
Party officials have defended the decision by saying it was necessary to break the political deadlock and seek reconciliation after decades of deep political divisions.He returned to Thailand briefly in 2008 to face a court trial before fleeing the country.
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