After 15 years in self-imposed exile, ex-PM Thaksin jailed upon return

Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra has finally returned to Thailand after 15 years abroad in self-imposed exile.

After repeated claims he would fly back this year, the 74-year-old, who was ousted by the military in 2006 and convicted in absentia two years later for abusing power and malfeasance, made good on his word.

He flew via private plane from Singapore to Bangkok’s Don Mueang Airport after 9am this morning. He paid his respects to a portrait of the king and queen, greeted by his family members, and was promptly arrested by authorities after he landed before being taken to the Supreme Court.

“Welcome back to Thailand daddy,” Thaksin’s daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra posted on Instagram with photos of the Shinawatra family. “Currently, my father has arrived in Thailand safely and is undergoing the legal process. Thank you to everyone who came…