BANGKOK: After his jail sentences were quickly and considerably commuted by the king, it may not be long before convicted former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra returns to his seat of power in Thai politics. & nbsp,
Given Thaksin’s advanced age, brief remaining prison term, and the speed at which his first sentences were reduced from eight years to just one last month, observers claim that he may immediately be released on parole.
The 74-year-old businessman, who is currently incarcerated in a medical suite in downtown Bangkok, will probably only hold the position of back-seat driver for the ruling Pheu Thai party as he navigates the new political landscape.
According to observers, it is not only because his position as a former prisoner may prevent him from running for political office under the current Thai laws, but also because of the difficulties he would experience in gaining the public’s support given how much Thailand has changed since his expulsion from it 15 years ago.
Mr. Thaksin is probably a behind-the-scenes person who aids his party Pheu Thai in securing its democratic potential, according to Dr. Yuttaporn Issarachai, political scientist from Sukhothais Thammathirat Open University.
” He most certainly won’t run for office again; his moment has now passed.” He told CNA,” With course, he’s more likely to enjoy an unofficial role and remain in the background, strategizing.
A Person FOR BEHIND THE SCENES
Thaksin’s life drastically and immediately changed as soon as his plane touched down on August 22 at the Bangkok personal jet terminal.
He was sent to Bangkok Remand Prison, where he was kept alone in the health wing for less than a day, and given an eight-year prison term for several absentia convictions that included malfeasance, abuse of power, or holding illegal shares through nominees.
The authorities transported him in the middle of the night to a doctor in Bangkok’s city center based on his health, where he was warded in an exclusive chamber with views of one of city centers’ most renowned golf courses.
Therefore, eight days later, he was given a one-year prison sentence.
Analysts predict that the former top will soon be able to proceed to exercise political control and move completely on parole.