POLITICAL DEAL?
The return of Thailand’s most famous politician and Srettha’s surprisingly smooth ascent to the top job will add to speculation that the influential Thaksin had struck a deal with his enemies in the military and establishment for his safe return and possibly, an early release from jail.
Thaksin and Pheu Thai have rejected that.
Tuesday’s events were the latest twist in a nearly two-decade power struggle between the Shinawatra family and its business allies, and a nexus of royalists, generals and old money families that have long wielded influence over politics and the economy.
As he emerged from the airport wearing a black suit, red tie and yellow lapel pin bearing the royal insignia, Thaksin clasped his hands in a traditional “wai” greeting to the crowd before kneeling and bowing in respect in front of a portrait of the king and queen.
Thaksin is still loved and loathed in equal measure in Thailand and his return overshadowed the vote for prime minister, with related hashtags top-trending on social media and the country gripped by blow-by-blow media coverage of his celebrated arrival and his prompt imprisonment.
Hundreds of red-shirted supporters carrying banners gathered at the airport, the court and outside the prison to greet him, many chanting “PM Thaksin”.
A former policeman who started a business empire selling computers, Thaksin won the hearts and loyalty of millions of working-class Thais with populist giveaways ranging from cash handouts and village loans to farm subsidies and universal healthcare.
But his brash approach, huge popularity and support for a new wave of capitalist upstarts put him at odds with powerful elites, triggering an intractable political battle that is still being played out today.
Though Thaksin had repeatedly reneged on promises to return home, he remains hugely popular among his supporters.
“No matter which land he’s in, wherever he goes, I love only Thaksin and always have,” said Boonying Pim-Makaed, from the northeastern province of Loei.
“I’m so glad that he’s back.”
