Thaksin Shinawatra leaves Thailand as parliament prepares to elect new PM

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  Published in Politics and Government on Friday, September 5th 2025 at 2:58 GMT by moneycontrol.com

Thaksin Shinawatra Departs Thailand as Parliament Gears Up for New Prime Minister

In a dramatic twist that underscores the continuing turbulence of Thai politics, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, the charismatic and controversial figure who rose to power in the early 2000s, left Thailand for a brief, highly‑publicized sojourn abroad just as the country’s National Assembly was preparing to elect its next head of government. The event, which unfolded over a single day, was watched by millions of Thai citizens who had followed the ex‑premier’s political fortunes for more than a decade.

A Return of a Symbolic Power

Thaksin’s appearance on Thai soil after more than a decade in exile was no ordinary visit. He was escorted by a convoy of supporters who streamed down the main roads of Bangkok in a display that echoed the 2005 and 2008 political rallies that had propelled him to national prominence. The ex‑prime minister’s departure, marked by an exit from the Suvarnabhumi Airport and an accompanying flotilla of protest banners, was a calculated move designed to remind his loyal base that he remains a potent political actor—even from outside the country.

The article notes that Thaksin’s return is part of a broader strategy to consolidate influence ahead of the forthcoming parliamentary vote on the new prime minister. Although he has been barred from contesting elections since the 2006 coup that toppled his government, his name continues to reverberate through Thai politics. In recent months, his name has surfaced in the press as a possible back‑door candidate for the next government, a move that would allow him to retain influence without breaching the legal restrictions imposed on him.

Parliament’s Countdown to a New PM

While Thaksin’s brief sojourn was unfolding, Thailand’s caretaker Prime Minister Prayut Chan‑ocha’s term was coming to an end. Prayut, who has ruled the country since the 2014 military coup, was mandated by the constitution to serve only a single term. With the 2023 general election concluding, the National Assembly was slated to elect a new prime minister by a simple majority vote.

The MoneyControl piece details how the assembly is currently divided among several factions, including the populist parties that once found their roots in Thaksin’s Thai Rak Thai (TRT) party, and the more conservative and pro‑monarchy coalition that has dominated Thai politics in recent years. The article emphasizes the fragility of the political landscape, citing the fact that the election results did not produce a clear majority for any single party or coalition. As a result, the process of selecting a new prime minister has become a delicate dance of negotiation and alliance‑building.

The article also points out that, in the absence of a clear majority, the parliament’s vote on the new prime minister could hinge on the support of a handful of independent legislators. These independents have the power to tip the balance of power in favor of either side, a fact that has intensified the political stakes for every party involved.

Thaksin’s Influence on the Election

The MoneyControl article includes a brief profile of Thaksin’s political legacy, highlighting his tenure as prime minister from 2001 to 2006, the populist welfare policies he introduced, and the controversies that ultimately led to his ouster. It also cites a number of contemporary sources that suggest Thaksin’s support base remains active. In particular, the article references a recent surge of online activity among his supporters on social media, as well as the emergence of a new political movement that calls itself “Samsan,” or “Tribe” in Thai.

According to the article, this movement seeks to consolidate the fragmented anti‑government vote and could become a decisive factor in the upcoming parliamentary vote. The article notes that, while Thaksin himself has not publicly declared his candidacy, his political machinery is reportedly well‑organized and ready to mobilize supporters on short notice.

A Broader Political Context

The article draws attention to the larger political context in which these events are unfolding. It notes that Thailand’s monarchy, which enjoys a highly revered status among the Thai people, remains a silent but influential presence in the political process. The monarchy’s preference for stability has, in many ways, shaped the country’s political environment in the last decade, and the upcoming vote on a new prime minister is viewed as a critical moment in determining the future direction of Thai governance.

Additionally, the article cites several international news outlets that have covered Thailand’s political climate, underscoring the global interest in the country’s democratic transition. The article concludes by emphasizing that Thaksin’s departure from Thailand—though brief—serves as a reminder that the political forces he once rallied continue to shape the country’s political trajectory. With the National Assembly on the cusp of electing a new prime minister, the stakes are higher than ever, and the eyes of the Thai people, and the world, are fixed on the outcome.