Ex-PM makes second journey in 17 times to Isan’s most populous state
PUBLISHED: 25 May 2024 at 15 :01
Thaksin Shinawatra was cordially received when he arrived in Nakhon Ratchasima on Saturday for the first time in 17 times, with red-shirt followers cheering and shouting “We like Thaksin” at the airport.
The private plane carrying the paroled former prime minister touched down at the Nakhon Ratchasima aircraft in Chalerm Phrakiat area at 11. 40am.
He was accompanied by his daughter and Pheu Thai Party chief Paetongtarn Shinawatra, his brother Panthongtae and essential gathering statistics. It was his first journey to the most popular province in the Northeast in 17 years.
Thaksin came to Korat to enter the death of Wichai Wichai Changlek, his faithful long-time pilot, who died at age 73.
The former prime minister was greeted enthusiastically by a group of red-shirt people who thronged the airport to waited for him. Supporters wrapped ha khao mom, traditional Thai togas, around his neck, hugged him and took pictures with him.
Chants of “We like Thaksin”, “Welcome, our prime minister, you are in our souls long, we generally love and have faith in you” and “Isan folks welcome you ” rang out regularly as Thaksin walked to a waiting car. Some followers also burst into tears when seeing him.
About 3,000 adherents were expected to join Thaksin at Wat Sangkha Chinaram in Sida area for the death of Wichai on Saturday evening.
Thaksin was also scheduled to give respect to the Thao Suranaree monument in the town and join supporters there in the night. He will return to Bangkok after in the day.
Officers from the Chalerm Phrakiat, Muang, Jor Hor, Nong Sung, Khong and Sida facilities were deployed to track crowds and traffic along the route taken by the former PM.
Thaksin has maintained a hectic travel routine since he was released on parole in February, after serving half of his one-year word for abuse of power and conflict of interest while in office from 2001-06. He did not spend a single evening behind plates but was accommodated at the Police General Hospital in Bangkok.
He has visited Chiang Mai and Phuket among different sites. He has been seen often in the company of other lawmakers, even though one of the problems of his probation is that he must never engage in “political” activity.
Among the significant figures who showed up on Saturday to greet Thaksin were Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang, Digital Economy and Society Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong, Culture Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol and other regional officials. Nakhon Ratchasima government Chaiwat Chuenkosum was on hands as well.
Red-shirt people hold a sign reading “Red-shirts and Korat people welcome perfect secretary Thaksin Shinawatra with respect and trust ” at the airports in Nakhon Ratchasima on Saturday. For some other fans, orange shirts ( below ), a colour associated with the Move Forward Party, were the fashion choice of the day. ( Photos: Prasit Tangprasert )
