Thaksin Shinawatra

  • Thailand NewsYingluck Shinawatra’s return to Thailand faces unresolved issues

    Yingluck Shinawatra’s return to Thailand faces unresolved issues

    Efforts to facilitate the return of former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra to Thailand continue, as her father, Thaksin, indicates that several considerations must still be addressed before her possible return. Thaksin initially committed to her return during an interview last November, suggesting it could occur around this year’s Songkran festival. The 75 year old former PM expressed optimism regarding the…

  • Thailand NewsThaksin ready to tackle censure debate accusations

    Thaksin ready to tackle censure debate accusations

    Former Prime Minister of Thailand Thaksin Shinawatra expressed his intention to address any inquiries or accusations made against him during the upcoming censure debate, anticipated to take place at the end of this month or early next month. Although he will not be physically present in the chamber to provide an immediate response, Thaksin assured reporters of his readiness to reply…

  • Thailand NewsThaksin tasked with cryptocurrency proposal by Malaysian PM

    Thaksin tasked with cryptocurrency proposal by Malaysian PM

    Thaksin Shinawatra has been tasked with proposing and recommending that ASEAN consider adopting a cryptocurrency. He will undertake this role as a personal adviser to Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who currently chairs ASEAN. Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin was given this responsibility by the ASEAN chair due to his interest in cryptocurrencies. He emphasised the importance of the regional…

  • Thailand NewsAnutin: Thaksin still has political power despite election results

    Anutin: Thaksin still has political power despite election results

    Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul countered assertions that former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has lost his political influence. Anutin maintains that Thaksin continues to wield significant political power. “Warriors are warriors. To underestimate Thaksin or say he is losing his magic can bring [the big mouth] an unprecedented disaster.” The statement follows analyses from political commentators questioning Thaksin’s influence after…

  • Thailand NewsThaksin Shinawatra allowed to leave Thailand with 5m baht surety

    Thaksin Shinawatra allowed to leave Thailand with 5m baht surety

    The Criminal Court has granted Thaksin Shinawatra permission to temporarily leave Thailand, requiring a 5 million baht cash surety to ensure his return. The former prime minister received approval yesterday, January 31 to visit Malaysia on Sunday and Monday. Thaksin named himself and Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa as witnesses, supported by documentation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to validate…

  • Chiang Mai NewsThaksin begs Chiang Mai to deliver a landslide victory

    Thaksin begs Chiang Mai to deliver a landslide victory

    Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra made a passionate last-minute appeal to his supporters, urging them to turn their loyalty into votes as Chiang Mai gears up for the Provincial Administration Organisation (PAO) elections tomorrow, February 1. Returning to his home province on Thursday, the 75 year old political titan took the stage in a high-energy rally to back Pichai Lertpongadisorn,…

  • Thailand NewsThai government sets 50-day deadline for casino bill review

    Thai government sets 50-day deadline for casino bill review

    The government has tasked the Council of State with a 50-day deadline to complete the review of the entertainment complex bill before it proceeds to the House for consideration. It asserts that a referendum is unnecessary since the policy has already received parliamentary approval. Pakorn Nilprapunt, the secretary-general of the council, stated yesterday that the government has stressed the urgency…

  • Bangkok NewsMore jobs: Thaksin defends casino complex in Maha Sarakham

    More jobs: Thaksin defends casino complex in Maha Sarakham

    In Maha Sarakham province, former premier Thaksin Shinawatra criticised opponents of the government’s proposed casino entertainment complex, accusing them of misrepresenting the project as merely a casino. Thaksin defended the plan, stating that less than 10% of the complex’s activities would involve gaming, with the majority dedicated to other attractions. The 75 year old former prime minister highlighted that each…

  • Thailand NewsThaksin’s power tariff cut plan sparks debate on electricity pricing

    Thaksin’s power tariff cut plan sparks debate on electricity pricing

    Thaksin Shinawatra‘s proposal to lower the power tariff from 4.15 to 3.70 baht per kilowatt-hour has ignited a discussion on the future of electricity pricing, which has remained elevated since 2022. The adjustment of tariff rates directly impacts electricity bills, with a reduced tariff leading to lower costs for businesses and households. The former prime minister introduced the tariff reduction…

  • Thailand NewsThaksin plans one million homes for low-income Thais

    Thaksin plans one million homes for low-income Thais

    Thaksin Shinawatra, the former prime minister of Thailand and de facto leader of the ruling Pheu Thai Party, announced plans to construct up to one million housing units for low-income Thai nationals. The announcement was made during a rally in Bueng Kan province. The government recently launched the Home for Thais scheme and Thaksin stated that around 31 million people…

  • Thailand NewsProtesters accuse Thai govt of favouring Thaksin in hospital stay

    Protesters accuse Thai govt of favouring Thaksin in hospital stay

    A group of protesters plans to submit a letter to the government, criticising it for allegedly granting former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra special treatment at Police General Hospital last year. Thaksin, who was meant to be serving a prison sentence for abuse of power, was reportedly allowed to remain in hospital instead, according to former red shirt leader, 58 year…

  • Thailand NewsPower play: Thailand plugs into cutting electricity costs

    Power play: Thailand plugs into cutting electricity costs

    The Government of Thailand is actively exploring methods to reduce electricity costs, as suggested by former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, according to Deputy Prime Minister Pichai Chunhavajira. Responding to Thaksin’s remarks, the de facto leader of the ruling Pheu Thai Party, Pichai noted that Thaksin had assured voters in Chiang Rai of the government’s intention to decrease energy prices to…

  • Thailand NewsThaksin denies Cabinet reshuffle, supports energy cost cuts

    Thaksin denies Cabinet reshuffle, supports energy cost cuts

    Thaksin Shinawatra, Thailand’s former prime minister and the alleged de facto leader of the Pheu Thai Party, has put to rest rumours suggesting the potential dismissal of Energy Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga in the next Cabinet reshuffle. Yesterday, January 5, Thaksin clarified that no such reshuffle is currently planned. Pirapan, for his part, denied any discord with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra…

  • Thailand NewsDeputy PM rolls dice on Thaksin’s bold online gambling bet

    Deputy PM rolls dice on Thaksin’s bold online gambling bet

    Prasert Chantrawongthong, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Economy and Society, has weighed in on ex-Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s bold proposal to legalise online gambling. The 74 year old former prime minister recently sparked controversy by suggesting that bringing online betting into the open could help tackle the widespread social issues associated with the industry. Known to be…

  • Thailand NewsThaksin sparks outrage with racist remarks in Chiang Rai

    Thaksin sparks outrage with racist remarks in Chiang Rai

    The former Prime Minister of Thailand, Thaksin Shinawatra, delivered a controversial speech containing racist remarks about international models from Africa while supporting his daughter and Pheu Thai Party members in the Provincial Administrative Organisation chief election campaign in the northern province of Chiang Rai. Thaksin has taken a prominent role in the local election campaign in Chiang Rai as his…

  • Thailand NewsNACC denies lobbying claims in Thaksin hospital case investigation

    NACC denies lobbying claims in Thaksin hospital case investigation

    The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) firmly denies any lobbying efforts aimed at altering the commissioner overseeing the investigation into former premier Thaksin Shinawatra’s detention at a police hospital. Sarote Phuengramphan, the NACC secretary-general and spokesperson, refuted claims of lobbying to replace the commissioner. These allegations were brought forth by activist and former red-shirt leader Jatuporn Prompan during a Facebook live…

  • Thailand NewsCourt dismisses claims of favouritism in Thaksin hospital stay

    Court dismisses claims of favouritism in Thaksin hospital stay

    The Constitutional Court dismissed allegations yesterday that state officials facilitated former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s hospital stay during his prison sentence. The petition, brought forward by Kongdecha Chairat, accused key figures, including Justice Minister Police Colonel Tawee Sodsong, the Department of Corrections (DoC) Director General, and the chief of Bangkok Remand Prison, of allowing Thaksin to serve his sentence at…

  • Thailand NewsThaksin scandal: Officials probed over cushy hospital stay

    Thaksin scandal: Officials probed over cushy hospital stay

    A corruption storm is brewing as the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) launches a probe into 12 government officials accused of giving former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra a luxurious loophole to avoid prison. NACC Secretary General Sarote Phuengramphan revealed yesterday, December 16, that the commission is investigating claims that officials from the Department of Corrections and Police General Hospital granted Thaksin…

  • Thailand NewsThaksin joins daughter Paetongtarn on Pheu Thai train to Hua Hin

    Thaksin joins daughter Paetongtarn on Pheu Thai train to Hua Hin

    In a scene worthy of a political drama, former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra made a grand entrance as he joined his daughter, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, on a luxury train journey to Hua Hin. The trip, organised for Pheu Thai MPs and ministers, marked a rare public appearance for the controversial patriarch amidst ongoing investigations. Thaksin boarded the Royal…

  • Thailand NewsThaksin hits the road to boost Pheu Thai’s PAO hopes

    Thaksin hits the road to boost Pheu Thai’s PAO hopes

    Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is back in the political spotlight, gearing up to help Pheu Thai candidates in key Provincial Administrative Organisation (PAO) races. After a triumphant showing in Udon Thani, the party is looking to capitalise on its momentum with Thaksin as its secret weapon. A party insider revealed the 74 year old former PM will visit…

  • Thailand NewsEC persists in Thaksin investigation despite court ruling

    EC persists in Thaksin investigation despite court ruling

    The Election Commission (EC) remains steadfast in its investigation into allegations against former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, focusing on claims of his manipulation of the Pheu Thai Party and interference in the coalition government. This action continues despite the Constitutional Court’s recent decision to dismiss a petition accusing Thaksin and the ruling party of attempting to overthrow Thailand’s constitutional monarchy.…

  • Thailand NewsThai court dismisses petition against Thaksin for lack of evidence

    Thai court dismisses petition against Thaksin for lack of evidence

    Thailand’s Constitutional Court has unanimously dismissed a petition against Thaksin Shinawatra and the Pheu Thai Party, citing a lack of credible evidence. This petition, filed by Teerayut Suwankesorn, accused the former prime minister and his party of undermining the constitutional monarchy under Article 49 of the Constitution. The court’s decision, made yesterday, November 22, closes the chapter on these allegations,…

  • Thailand NewsThaksin’s hospital treatment probe faces authority limits: Committee

    Thaksin’s hospital treatment probe faces authority limits: Committee

    A House committee investigating allegations of special treatment for former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra during his detention at Police General Hospital (PGH) faces limitations in its authority. The Department of Corrections clarified that the committee cannot summon Thaksin or related agencies to testify. Chaired by Rangsiman Rome, an MP from the opposition People’s Party, the committee on state security, border…

  • Politics NewsThaksin leads critical local election battle in northeast Thailand

    Thaksin leads critical local election battle in northeast Thailand

    The upcoming Provincial Administrative Organisation (PAO) chief election in Udon Thani has drawn national attention as Thaksin Shinawatra, the influential figure behind the ruling Pheu Thai Party, leads campaign efforts against the emerging People’s Party challenger. The November 24 election pits Pheu Thai’s candidate Sarawut Petchpanomporn against the People’s Party’s Kanisorn Khurirangon in what analysts view as a significant test…

  • Thailand NewsThaksin’s Pheu Thai campaign in Surin election ‘not unlawful’

    Thaksin’s Pheu Thai campaign in Surin election ‘not unlawful’

    Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra‘s planned campaign activities in Surin province are within legal bounds, Defence Minister and Deputy PM Phumtham Wechayachai confirmed today, November 11, at Government House. Thaksin, who is widely seen as Pheu Thai Party‘s de facto leader, is scheduled to visit Surin from November 19 to 20 to support Natthamon Siriwattanawanit, a former vice CEO of…

  • Thailand NewsThaksin accused of undermining Thai monarchy, court decision imminent

    Thaksin accused of undermining Thai monarchy, court decision imminent

    Former Thailand Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has not yet provided testimony in a legal case where both he and the ruling Pheu Thai Party face serious allegations. The accusations suggest attempts to undermine Thailand’s constitutional monarchy. This development comes as the deadline for public prosecutors to submit their findings to the Constitutional Court is fast approaching. Thus far, only lawyer Teerayut…

  • Thailand NewsThaksin to fire up Pheu Thai campaign in Udon Thani province

    Thaksin to fire up Pheu Thai campaign in Udon Thani province

    Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is back in the political spotlight as he gears up to boost the Pheu Thai Party’s campaign in a major way. Thaksin is expected to make his return to the stage in Udon Thani next week, marking his first public address since ending his self-imposed exile in August last year. The 74 year old’s…

  • Thailand NewsPM Paetongtarn pledges no interference in Thaksin detention probe

    PM Paetongtarn pledges no interference in Thaksin detention probe

    Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra addressed concerns regarding her involvement in an investigation into allegations that her father, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, received preferential treatment during his detention at the Police General Hospital. She reassured the public and officials that she would not interfere with the ongoing probe. The 38 year old Thai premier confirmed the government’s commitment to adhering…

  • Politics NewsPhew! Thai party faces petition peril over Thaksin ties

    Phew! Thai party faces petition peril over Thaksin ties

    A dramatic political twist erupted as a petition emerged demanding the dissolution of the ruling Pheu Thai Party, with claims of undue influence from former premier Thaksin Shinawatra. The party itself has made the explosive allegations. The Election Commission (EC) confirmed it is merging four petitions against Pheu Thai, alleging that the party is under Thaksin’s sway, despite him not…

  • Thailand NewsThaksin and Pheu Thai Party face constitutional showdown

    Thaksin and Pheu Thai Party face constitutional showdown

    Independent lawyer Thirayut Suwankesorn, renowned for dismantling the Move Forward Party, has launched a scathing complaint against the ruling Pheu Thai Party and its influential patriarch, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. The complaint, submitted to the Constitutional Court at 10.30am today, October 10, accuses them of a serious breach of constitutional protocol, alleging attempts to undermine the country’s constitutional monarchy.…