His daughter said former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is anticipated to return to the dominion on Tuesday, the identical day as a key parliamentary vote that would end the political impasse.
The 74-year-old billionaire was overthrown in a military coup in 2006 and has been in exile for 15 years.
Thaksin has long said he desires to return home, but faces multiple criminal charges that he believes are politically motivated.
“On Tuesday, August 22, at 9:00 a.m., I’ll pick up my father Thaksin from Don Muang Airport,” his daughter Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who was one in every of the Pheu Thai party’s candidates for prime minister, announced on Instagram.
His return will coincide with this afternoon’s vote to substantiate Sretta Thavisin – from Thaksin’s Pheu Thai party – as prime minister and end three months of political deadlock since May’s general elections.
To change into prime minister, Srettha needs a majority within the lower house of 500 elected lawmakers and within the 250-seat Senate, hand-picked by the dominion’s last junta.
In the elections, the progressive Movement Forward Party (MFP) won essentially the most seats in parliament, however the military-dominated Senate prevented its leader from becoming prime minister.
In second place was the Thaksin-backed Pheu Thai party, which tried to form a government.
Thaksin-linked parties have dominated Thai politics since 2001, but have lost two prime ministers to military coups and one to a court ruling.
The return of Thaksin, who’s the fear of Thailand’s pro-military and royalist establishment, may inflame the already tense political situation.
Thaksin said on social media ahead of May’s elections that he would return to Thailand in July “before my birthday” because he’s getting older and needs to spend time together with his grandchildren.
“Dream of return”: the second son of the King of Thailand returns after 27 years of absence
“Dream of return”: the second son of the King of Thailand returns after 27 years of absence
He has been in exile since 2008, mainly in Dubai, but often addresses supporters on the social media platform Clubhouse using the pseudonym Tony Woodsome.
Thaksin was convicted in 4 criminal cases while abroad, one in every of which has already expired.
His sentences for the remaining three total 10 years while he continues to be under investigation in one other case, and in his May message he said he was able to face justice.
He has long maintained that the cases were politically motivated.
Upon arrival, he’ll probably be brought before the Supreme Court after which taken to special custody, after which he will probably be sent to prison.
His return coming on the identical day because the prime minister’s vote in parliament could make it easier to vote for Sretta amongst lower house MPs but could cause concern amongst senators
He had previously planned to return to Bangkok on August 10, but postponed it as a consequence of a medical visit.
Political analyst Yuttaporn Issarachai said rumors of his return have been circulating for a very long time and there continues to be no guarantee it can occur this time.
“I give it a 50-50 chance,” Yuttaporn said.
“His return on August 22, the same day as the prime minister’s vote in parliament, may facilitate a vote for Sretta among lower house MPs, but may cause anxiety among senators.”
