Yingluck’s hope for a democratic revival with new charter

Former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra sparked fresh hope for Thailand’s democratic future, declaring that the country will soon see a return to full democracy under the Pheu Thai Party-led government with a new people’s charter.

In a poignant Facebook post marking the 10th anniversary of the coup that ousted her caretaker government on May 22, 2014, Yingluck expressed renewed optimism.

“Ten years have passed since the coup on May 22, 2014. It has been a long time but I am starting to have hope now.

“I hope to see Thailand return to democracy with a new constitution written by the people, for the people.”

Yingluck emphasised that a new charter would unlock the nation’s full potential, promising a better standard of living for all.

“I’m waiting to see a new charter that will lead the country to genuine democracy.”

Yingluck, the first woman to serve as Prime Minister of Thailand and the 28th overall, took office on August 5, 2011, following a decisive victory in the 2011 general election. Her tenure, however, was marred by political turmoil.

On December 9, 2013, she dissolved the House of Representatives amid prolonged protests led by Suthep Thaugsuban of the People’s Democratic Reform Committee.

While serving as acting prime minister with the task of overseeing new elections, Yingluck was removed from office on May 7, 2014, by the Constitutional Court. The court ruled that her decision to remove Thawil Pliensri from his position as secretary-general of the Defence Council was unconstitutional, reported The Nation.

This decision paved the way for then-Army Chief General Prayut Chan-o-cha to seize power in a coup on May 22, 2014.

In related news, Thailand’s National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has unanimously chosen not to contest the Supreme Court’s ruling, which exonerated former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra and five others from malfeasance charges linked to a 240-million baht public relations campaign, according to an insider familiar with the situation.