Mr. Thaksin Shinawatra, Thailand’s ousted former prime minister, recently returned to the country after 15 years of self-imposed exile. Aged 74, Thaksin arrived on Aug. 22 and was swiftly arrested. He faced an eight-year sentence due to corruption and abuse of power allegations.
Surprising Turn of Events
According to reports from the Royal Gazette, King Maha Vajiralongkorn intervened to commute Thaksin’s sentence. The details are as follows:
- Thaksin’s eight-year prison term has been reduced to a single year.
- The justification for the reduction included Thaksin’s age, health conditions, loyalty to the monarchy, and his significant contributions to the nation.
- Thaksin has the option to apply for parole after serving one-third (or four months) of his sentence.
- Given his health concerns, which include chest pains, high blood pressure, and low oxygen levels, Thaksin could continue his sentence in a hospital suite with approval from the Correction Department’s chief.
Political Implications
Thaksin’s return coincided with the Parliament’s selection of Srettha Thavisin from the Thaksin-linked Pheu Thai Party as the new prime minister. Since 2001, Thaksin’s political parties have usually secured the most votes in every election. An exception was this year when the progressive Move Forward Party gained a surprise victory. There are suspicions that Thaksin’s return might be a result of a political deal with the royalists. His alliance with former military enemies through the Pheu Thai party has dismayed both his old supporters and those who voted for the Move Forward Party.
Social Response
Thaksin remains one of the country’s most influential, yet divisive politicians. His reign saw:
- Fervent support from the “red shirt” protestors, mainly from the rural north.
- Opposition from the “yellow shirt” group, comprising royalists and urban elites.
Thaksin’s political journey has been a rollercoaster:
- He was elected as prime minister in 2001.
- Both he and his sister, Yingluck Shinawatra, were removed from their positions in military coups in 2006 and 2014 respectively.
- The political tug-of-war between Thaksin and military royalists has lasted two decades.
On social media, the sentiment is mixed:
- Some are elated at the reduction in Thaksin’s sentence, hoping he will reunite with his family soon.
- Others, like the activist group Free Youth, emphasize the need for equal justice for all.
Broader Impacts
Thailand’s strict lese majesty law has recently been under scrutiny. At least 252 individuals, inclusive of children, have been charged under this law since July 2020. Charges ranged from wearing inappropriate attire perceived as mocking the monarchy, to creating satirical content and delivering political speeches.
Thailand’s Quest for Reconciliation
The partial pardon granted to Thaksin offers a potential moment of reflection and reconciliation. While Thaksin has been a divisive figure, his sentence’s reduction has raised hopes of a more inclusive dialogue on Thailand’s future. This move could pave the way for deeper discussions about the role of the monarchy, the military’s place in politics, and the importance of upholding democratic principles.
Challenges and Hurdles
Despite the potential for positive change, challenges remain:
- The Move Forward Party’s sidelining, despite its electoral success, has left a segment of the population feeling disenfranchised.
- The stringent lese majesty law continues to stifle free speech and expression. The high number of individuals charged under this law since July 2020 is indicative of a broader, systemic issue.
- The alleged “VVIP” treatment of Thaksin in prison has sparked concerns about inequality in the justice system. If not addressed, such disparities can erode public trust in the country’s institutions.
Conclusion
The commutation of Thaksin Shinawatra’s prison term has not only immediate legal implications but also sheds light on the broader political and societal landscapes of Thailand. As Thailand navigates its future, it remains to be seen how this latest development influences the nation’s political journey and search for democratic stability.
