This year brought a political development previously ruled out as unthinkable by many analysts and observers.
After 15 years of self-imposed exile overseas, Thaksin Shinawatra returned to Thailand on August 22 to face prison terms for corruption cases stemming from his tenure as prime minister between February 2001 and September 2006.
After his private jet landed at Bangkok’s Don Mueang Airport, Thaksin bowed before a portrait of Their Majesties the King and Queen placed at the private terminal. He was also seen greeting supporters and key figures from the Pheu Thai Party, of which he is patriarch.
Meanwhile, in Parliament…
Thaksin’s return coincided with a parliamentary meeting that saw former property tycoon Srettha Thavisin, a Pheu Thai prime ministerial candidate, voted in as Thailand’s 30th premier, succeeding General Prayut Chan-o-cha, who had come to power nine years…
