On Wednesday, Thaksin Shinawatra’s daughter Paetongtarn claimed he hopes to return in July, but it depends on the country’s status.
At Pheu Thai Party headquarters, Ms Paetongtarn claimed Thaksin was planning for his comeback, which may include government agencies.
Ms. Paetongtarn said her family prepared “in terms of convenience and safety” for his homecoming.
“Many forms of reception are being prepared because it is not known what will be required, or happen,” she added.
Ms Paetongtarn said the family awaited Thaksin’s instructions on what further to do to prepare for his return.
His July return was unaltered. “However, it also depends on the political and national situation,” she stated.
His return matters. I’d like him to come back when things are calm. Ms. Paetongtarn stressed suitability.
Thaksin will face punishment upon his return regardless of the administration.
While abroad, a military revolution overthrew Thaksin on September 19, 2006. Besides a 2008 visit to Thailand, he has lived in self-imposed exile.
The Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions condemned him to 12 years in four instances in his absence.
In the first instance, the court found him guilty of abuse of authority in his then-wife Khunying Potjaman’s acquisition of state-owned Ratchadapisek land below market value. He received a two-year sentence in October 2008. The court judgment terminated in October 2018 after 10 years.
In the second instance, Thaksin was sentenced to two years in prison for misconduct in the two- and three-digit lottery.
Thaksin received three years in prison for authorizing 4 billion baht in Export-Import Bank of Thailand loans to Myanmar in the third case. His family’s telecoms enterprise bought equipment with the loans.
In the fourth instance, the former prime minister was sentenced to five years for employing nominees to hold Shin Corp. shares. Political office holders cannot own telecommunications firm shares by law.
The second, third, and fourth court rulings have not expired.