Yingluck aims for a quick return to Thailand now that legal obstacles have been removed
Yingluck Shinawatra hints at a possible return to Thailand within the next 12 months. Now that several legal obstacles have been removed, the way seems clear for the former prime minister to return to her home country. Yingluck currently lives in London, but recent court filings indicate her return is getting closer.
Paetongtarn Shinawatra, 36, daughter of former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, is an up-and-coming political figure who is running for leadership as Thailand's next leader. Despite her family's political legacy, marked by military coups and forced depositions of power, Paetongtarn is determined to forge her own path. With plans to restore Thai democracy, boost the economy and address social issues such as education, healthcare and environmental issues, she hopes to bring about positive change in her country.
“From successful businessman to controversial politician: The story of Thaksin Shinawatra”
Thaksin Shinawatra, former Prime Minister of Thailand and founder of the Thai Rak Thai Party in 1998, is a controversial figure. He acquired his wealth through successful entrepreneurship and strategic investments, particularly in telecommunications. After Thaksin became prime minister, he introduced various populist measures, such as cheap health care and microcredit. Despite his popularity, he was criticized for his authoritarian style of governance, curtailment of press freedom and human rights violations. Thaksin was deposed in a military coup in 2006 and convicted of corruption, after which he went into exile. His daughter Paetongtarn is now active in politics and campaigning in rural areas of Thailand. Thaksin's enduring influence illustrates how one figure can have a major impact on a country's politics and society.
Yingluck Shinawatra acquitted of corruption
At the time of the former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra there were water management projects. The fact that a lot of money was needed for these projects in Thailand needs no further explanation. However, where a lot of money is involved, corruption soon comes into play.
Thailand has a long history of coups, coups that should put the country back on the right track. After all, Thailand is a special country that, according to many coup-committing generals, is better off with a 'Thai-style' democracy. The country has so far not had the chance to develop properly democratically. What attempts at democratic development has the country experienced in the first 20 years of this century?
Is the former Prime Minister of Thailand, Yingluck Shinawatra, who fled three months ago, now living in London? Not according to Prime Minister Prayut. He says this rumor is false, but oddly enough, he admits he has no information about it.
Minister Don of Foreign Affairs knows for sure: England has not granted former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra political asylum and will not do so. That has been assured to him by the United Kingdom. Incidentally, Don does not know where Yingluck is staying now.
Former Prime Minister Yingluck's passports revoked
Former Prime Minister Yingluck's passports have been revoked. Yingluck had four passports: two diplomatic and two normal. They have only now been withdrawn because she can no longer appeal against her conviction on September 27, the time for which has passed.
Yingluck, a separate story
“Barbertje must hang!”, that seems to be the political effort to bring Yingluck Shinawatra to justice anyway.
Thai government under fire over Yingluck flight
The Thai government has ridiculed itself according to public opinion for claiming that former Prime Minister Yingluck is in Dubai. That turns out not to be the case, says CNN and Reuters, she is staying in London, where she wants to apply for political asylum.
Five years in prison for Yingluck in rice mortgage case
Yingluck already saw the storm coming and chose eggs for her money, even before the Supreme Court had ruled in the case of serious dereliction of duty, she fled. Yesterday, the Supreme Court sentenced former Prime Minister Yingluck to 5 years in prison, half of the maximum sentence.
The People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), also known as the Yellow Shirts, is demanding a thorough government investigation into Yingluck's flight abroad. Government officials who helped her should be punished for doing so.
Yingluck fled to Dubai: the end of the Shinawatra clan?
With Yingluck's flight, the power of the Chinese-Thai family Shinawatra seems to have come to an end. Thailand's first female former prime minister is said to have fled via Cambodia to Dubai, where her brother Thaksin lives in exile.
Yingluck's 'disappearance' from the Thai political sphere is the best case scenario for this government. If she went to jail, she would be a political martyr, and if found not guilty of alleged crimes, her political prestige would be elevated, which could divert attention from the junta's agenda and reforms.
BREAKING: 'Yingluck has fled Thailand!'
According to several international news agencies, former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has fled Thailand. It is not clear to which country.
Friday verdict in Yingluck case: Army and police ready
This Friday, the Supreme Court will decide whether former Prime Minister Yingluck is guilty of dereliction of duty in the rice mortgage system. The army has set up checkpoints on several roads to Bangkok. It is feared an influx of Yingluck sympathizers who may disrupt the order.
Emotional Yingluck says she never neglected her duty
Yesterday, Yingluck delivered her closing argument before the Supreme Court in the case of the rice mortgage system, which has cost the Thai treasury the equivalent of $8 billion. As chairman of the National Rice Policy Committee, Yingluck is accused of ignoring warnings about corruption and doing nothing about rising costs.
Former Prime Minister Yingluck must be in suspense for another month. Then she will be told by the Supreme Court whether she is guilty of dereliction of duty during her reign. This has to do with the mortgage system for rice introduced by her government. She would have ignored warnings about corruption and did nothing about rising costs. At worst, she could face up to 10 years in prison.
Yingluck: Mortgage system good for farmers and economy
Former Prime Minister Yingluck (the sister of Thaksin Shinawatra) defended the mortgage system for rice devised by her government on Friday in court. She is convinced that this plan benefited the farmers, who were burdened by debt. The national economy would also benefit from the system.
Yingluck today in court for rice subsidies
Former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra appeared before the Supreme Court today. She had to answer for herself in the issue of rice subsidies, but pleads not guilty.
News from Thailand – February 19, 2015
A selection of today's most important Thai news, including:
– Yingluck officially sued for negligence
– Energy forum is just a joke
– Dutch cook (45) dies in an accident in Pattaya
– Two French kitesurfers seriously injured in a freak accident
– Irish expat jumps from balcony after argument with Thai girlfriend
News from Thailand – February 13, 2015
A selection of today's most important Thai news, including:
– Prayut warns Yingluck not to flee abroad
– Kanchanaburi Tiger Temple not guilty of assaulting tigers
– PM is looking for investors for high-speed train Hua Hin and Pattaya
– German tourist (58) drowned near Krabi, son could be saved
– Thai teenagers are not allowed to have sex on Valentine's Day