His populist “Thaksinomics” fueled a rural revival with pro-poor polices in health, including virtually free universal health care and education, as well as large subsidies. He earned a reputation for smart economic management after helping pull Thailand from the depths of a 1997 financial crisis.

Thaksin, a former policeman, is one of the most famous Southeast Asian politicians of the last two decades. Thaksin has made several false promises of return before, while rumors of meetings in London, Hong Kong and Dubai with political allies and rivals have sporadically provoked intrigue about a possible deal to allow him back.īut Paetongtarn’s post is the first time she has confirmed a date of his return. “You (dad) are coming back on August 10 at Don Muang airport…we are all dazzled, happy and also concerned but we’ve always respected your decision.”

“I don’t quite believe myself in what I’m about to type here,” his daughter Paetongtarn Shinawatra wrote on Instagram on Wednesday morning in announcing the shock return. Thaksin’s return is likely to anger royalist conservatives, who accuse the telecoms billionaire of dividing the kingdom with money, politics and corruption. The party placed second in elections in May but is now in a prime position to form a government after the election-winning Move Forward Party was blocked by an appointed Senate of army allies from leading an administration. Thailand’s only civilian prime minister to win back-to-back elections, Thaksin was ousted in a 2006 coup and then fled overseas two years later to avoid prison for corruption convictions he says are politically motivated.īut Thaksin, 74, remains hugely influential as the figurehead of the Pheu Thai party. Fugitive former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra will end 15 years of self-exile by returning to Thailand next month, the billionaire’s daughter said Wednesday, turning up the political heat just as his family’s party scrambles to form a new government.

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