The country may very well be entering yet another tumultuous political era.
More than three months after Thailand’s national elections – and many anti-democratic manoeuvres in parliament – the country finally has a new prime minister, Srettha Thavisin. But, given the chaotic nature of Thai politics, this was perhaps not even the biggest news of the week.
Who is Thaksin and why is he important? Thaksin became prime minister in 2001 after a thumping election win and remained the country’s most popular politician, even through his long years of exile. Prayuth was then elected prime minister by the parliament in 2019 under the country’s anti-democratic, military-authored constitution following a compromised national poll. He remained in power until this week.
The party nominated its own prime ministerial candidate, Srettha, a wealthy property developer and political newcomer, and formed a new coalition with two military-aligned parties, the Palang Pracharath Party and Ruam Thai Sang Chart Party, and a range of others. This gave Srettha the support he needed from the military-appointed senators to win the prime ministership.
What happens now? It is no coincidence that Thaksin arrived on the day his party returned to power, and the foundations are already being set for his early release.
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Thaksin Shinawatra: anger and anticipation in Thailand as exiled former PM expected to returnEx-leader due to arrive back in the country as parliament votes on whether a new PM can take office
Read more »
‘Thaksin represents the grassroots people’: Thailand’s divisive former leader returnsOlder rural voters swept him to power and many still support him despite his arrest on arrival
Read more »
Thailand’s fugitive figurehead returns home and goes straight to jailOverjoyed fans have welcomed home ex-Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra as he returned to the country after years away. But he was then taken to jail.
Read more »
Thailand’s fugitive figurehead returns home and goes straight to jailOverjoyed fans have welcomed home ex-Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra as he returned to the country after years away. But he was then taken to jail.
Read more »
Thailand’s fugitive figurehead returns home and goes straight to jailOverjoyed fans have welcomed home ex-Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra as he returned to the country after years away. But he was then taken to jail.
Read more »
Thailand’s former PM Thaksin Shinawatra moved to hospital after first night in jailThe former prime minister was moved after suffering a health problem, hours after he returned to the country following a years-long exile
Read more »