Can a man dominate a country’s politics even after years in exile, a military coup, and time behind bars?
In Thailand, many believe the answer is still yes — and that man is Thaksin Shinawatra.
After spending most of the past two decades overseas and the last eight months in prison, the 76-year-old former prime minister walked free this week.
To roaring cheers from hundreds of loyal supporters outside Bangkok’s Klong Prem jail.
Some brought flowers. One supporter even drove 700km carrying 20kg of lychees because, she said, “I know he likes them.”
For many Thais, Thaksin remains more than a politician.
He’s a symbol — either of hope or of dangerous ambition, depending on who you ask.
Thaksin’s Legacy Endures
The billionaire businessman transformed Thai politics after first winning power in 2001.
He built a fiercely loyal base among working-class voters.
But his rise also alarmed Thailand’s conservative royalist establishment.
Leading to coups, court rulings, protests, and years of political chaos.
Even now, questions swirl around his future influence.
His daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, recently lost power after a court ruling, while his party, Pheu Thai Party, suffered one of its worst election performances.
Political analyst Ken Lohatepanont summed it up neatly: “You can never count Thaksin out.”
Still, Thailand may finally be turning a page. After 25 turbulent years, the “Thaksin era” could be fading.
Though in Thai politics, endings rarely stay final for long.
