The media spotlight has been fixed on Thaksin Shinawatra ever since he returned to Thailand last August after 15 years in exile. That scrutiny intensified on Thursday as the former prime minister began a three-day trip to Chiang Mai less than a month after being released on parole.
Thaksin’s first visit to his home province since being ousted in a coup 17 years ago will reportedly include a merit-making ceremony at a Buddhist temple for his deceased parents and ancestors. He stepped down from his private jet in Chiang Mai on Thursday morning to be welcomed by a group of red-shirt supporters and provincial officials.
Analysts say Thaksin will use the trip to boost support in the city for his proxy party Pheu Thai after its disappointing performance in last year’s general election. The current ruling party won only two of 10 MP seats up for grabs in Chiang Mai, which had been a…
