GEORGE TOWN: From savouring local delicacies to exploring street arts along Armenian Street and taking a trishaw ride in George Town, the Shinawatra siblings were having the time of their lives in Penang.
Both former Thai prime ministers Thaksin and his sister Yingluck are visiting the Pearl of the Orient.
In a Facebook post, Yingluck said this is the second time she came to the island.
“Came to Penang for the second time after a long time to find old memories with my brother.
“The city has changed a lot,” she said on Thursday (Sept 22).
Yingluck added that Penang has a similar vibe to Phuket in Thailand.
“I miss it. The food is similar.
“And what’s even more strange is that the city has photo spots along the walkways or shops (mural spots) for people to take photos to keep them as mementos.
“I want our tourist town to improve more to have more spots for people to take pictures,” she said.
Yingluck said when someone takes a photo, people will think of the occasion and remember it.
“My brother and I also took the opportunity to find some old-fashioned desserts and this made us miss home a bit,” she added.
Thaksin, 73, was Thailand’s prime minister from 2001 to 2006, while Yingluck, 55, was the first Thai female prime minister, serving from 2011 to 2014.
Thaksin fled Thailand in 2008 to escape a corruption ruling and has lived in exile ever since.
A controversial 2013 amnesty Bill that would have paved the way for his return instead triggered street protests which culminated in the 2014 coup against Yingluck’s government.
She was tried in 2016 but did not appear in court in August 2017 for the verdict. An arrest warrant was issued.
Yingluck fled the country and is said to be living in London.