Introduction
Once upon a time, there was a man named Thaksin Shinawatra who rose to power in Thailand and left an indelible mark on the political landscape of the country. His controversial legacy is the subject of much discussion and debate, with some applauding him for his achievements while others condemn him for his actions. This post will delve into the rise and fall of Thaksin Shinawatra, exploring various aspects of his life and career.
Thaksin’s Early Life and Career
Thaksin Shinawatra was born in Chiang Mai city in northern Thailand on July 26, 1949. He came from a wealthy family, and his father was a politician. Thaksin went on to study at the Royal Thai Police Cadet Academy and later obtained a degree in criminal justice from Eastern Kentucky University in the United States. After returning to Thailand, he worked as a police officer and then as a businessman, making a fortune in the communications industry.
Thaksin’s Political Career
Thaksin Shinawatra entered politics in 1994 and founded the Thai Rak Thai party (TRT) in 1998. He ran for the prime minister’s office in 2001 and won by a large margin, becoming the first prime minister to serve a full term in office since 1992. During his time as prime minister, Thaksin implemented several policies that were widely popular, such as the 30-baht healthcare scheme and the village fund. However, he also faced criticism for his handling of the war on drugs, which resulted in thousands of extrajudicial killings.
Thaksin’s Downfall
Thaksin Shinawatra’s downfall began in 2005, when his family sold their stake in Shin Corporation, his telecommunications company, to a Singaporean investment firm. The sale was controversial, as it was tax-free and netted the family over $1.9 billion. Critics accused Thaksin of using his political influence to enrich himself and his family. Large protests broke out, and Thaksin was ultimately ousted in a military coup in 2006. He went into exile abroad, where he remains to this day.
Thaksin’s Legacy
Thaksin Shinawatra’s legacy is complex and controversial. Many still see him as a political maverick who brought much-needed change and reform to Thailand. Others view him as a corrupt demagogue who abused his power for personal gain. Regardless of one’s opinion on Thaksin, it is clear that his impact on Thai politics and society cannot be ignored.
FAQs
Q1. Why was Thaksin Shinawatra so popular?
A1. Thaksin was popular because he implemented several policies that were widely popular, such as the 30-baht healthcare scheme and the village fund. These policies improved the lives of many people in Thailand.
Q2. What was the 30-baht healthcare scheme?
A2. The 30-baht healthcare scheme was a policy implemented by Thaksin that provided low-cost healthcare to all Thais for no more than 30 baht per visit.
Q3. What is the war on drugs?
A3. The war on drugs was a campaign launched by Thaksin in which drug dealers and users were targeted for arrest and punishment. However, the campaign was criticized for its heavy-handed methods and the thousands of extrajudicial killings that resulted.
Q4. What was the controversy surrounding the sale of Shin Corporation?
A4. The sale of Shin Corporation was controversial because it was tax-free and netted Thaksin’s family over $1.9 billion. Critics accused Thaksin of using his political power to enrich himself and his family.
Q5. What led to Thaksin’s downfall?
A5. Thaksin’s downfall began with the controversy surrounding the sale of Shin Corporation. Large protests broke out, and he was ultimately ousted in a military coup.
Q6. Where is Thaksin now?
A6. Thaksin is currently in exile abroad, where he remains active in Thai politics.
Q7. What is Thaksin’s legacy?
A7. Thaksin’s legacy is complex and controversial. Many still see him as a political maverick who brought much-needed change and reform to Thailand. Others view him as a corrupt demagogue who abused his power for personal gain.
Conclusion
Thaksin Shinawatra was a political maverick who left an indelible mark on Thailand’s political landscape. He was loved by some and hated by others, but his impact cannot be denied. Thaksin’s legacy is still felt in Thailand to this day, and his story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of abusing political power. Regardless of one’s opinion on Thaksin, his life and career are a fascinating study in the complexities of Thai politics.