PUBLISHED: 15 Mar 2024 at 13: 40
” We love Thaksin. We adore Thaksin,” chanted thousands of people shortly after former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra arrived at the Waroros Market in Chiang Mai on Friday.
Thaksin’s supporters waited patiently for his first return to the home state in 17 years at the most common industry in the northern city.
As he entered the market, slogans persisted as guards cleared the way for him to get up close and pose for photos with his followers.
The former police officer turned communications magnate was accompanied by his family, including Pheu Thai Party head Paetongtarn and his youngest child.
Some invited him to quit at their stores, saying,” Mr Prime Minister, this way satisfy”.
” I am ecstatic”, said a salesman of Thong Muan, a Thai rolled chip, after Thaksin bought 10 boxes from her.
Following a trip to pay tribute to Doi Suthep Stupa, a landmark in the northern state, the attend to the business was followed by supporters who waited for him at the temple.
One of the spots on his small itinerary for his three-day explore to his native province was Waroros. Other locations on Friday’s plan included a visit to his relatives ‘ grave in Mae On area and a trip to Wat Rong Tham Samakkee in San Kamphaeng area to give respect to the charred bones kept at the mother’s grave.
After making a request to seek alternative medical care and pay respect to his ancestors, the 74-year-old past Manchester City owner was given permission to travel to Chiang Mai. Due to his age and alleged many symptoms, he is still on parole, but he did not spend a single time in prison after returning in August to serve his word.
When jail officials approved his move to Police General Hospital just days after his word was actually enacted, those health concerns were raised.
Social observers saw the attend as having social implications, particularly given Pheu Thai’s victory in last year’s general election by the Move Forward Party. Move Forward gained seven votes, while Pheu Thai won just two, and the Palang Pracharath Party gained one.
Sunai Phasuk, a senior researcher at Human Rights Watch and past political scientist at Chulalongkorn University, said,” I think Thaksin wants to use Chiang Mai to rebuild a clear connection with supporters in the county by bypassing the party and MPs.”
On Thursday, Thaksin paid value to the City Pillar Shrine in Bangkok, before leaving for Chiang Mai.