Thailand’s divisive ex-Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra readies return during political turmoil

By JINTAMAS SAKSORNCHAI
Associated Press

BANGKOK (AP) — Thailand’s former prime minister, Thaksin Shinawatra, a billionaire populist who was ousted by a 2006 military coup, plans to return home next month from years of self-imposed exile, as Thailand grapples with the unexpectedly difficult task of naming a new prime minister. Thaksin’s planned Aug. 10 return was confirmed in a Facebook posting by his daughter as the Pheu Thai Party, regarded as the main vehicle for his political interests, is seeking support in Parliament for one of its leaders to become the next head of government. Thaksin was elected prime minister in 2001 and 2005, but was ousted by a military coup in 2006 after being accused of corruption and abuse of power and of disrespecting the country’s monarchy.