A billionaire tycoon who served as Prime Minister of Thailand, known for his populist policies and controversial leadership style, which sparked widespread protests and a military coup. He's also known for his ownership of Manchester City Football Club.
Thaksin Shinawatra, a Thai businessman and politician, is known for his vast fortune and his tumultuous tenure as Prime Minister of Thailand from 2001 to 2006. As the founder of Advanced Info Service and Shin Corporation, Thaksin amassed a massive wealth, becoming one of the richest people in Thailand.
Thaksin's political career began in 1998 when he founded the Thai Rak Thai Party (TRT). In 2001, he became the first democratically elected Prime Minister of Thailand to serve a full term, winning by a landslide electoral victory. He was reelected in 2005 with an overwhelming majority, solidifying his grip on power.
During his tenure, Thaksin launched several ambitious programs, including a war on drugs, which resulted in the deaths of over 2,500 people. He also implemented policies to reduce poverty, expand infrastructure, promote small and medium-sized enterprises, and extend universal healthcare coverage. However, his strong-arm approach against the separatist insurgency in the Muslim southern provinces and his decision to sell shares in his corporation for over a billion tax-free dollars generated widespread controversy.
In 2006, a protest movement against Thaksin, known as the Yellow Shirts, launched mass demonstrations, accusing him of corruption, abuse of power, and autocratic tendencies. Thaksin called snap elections, which were boycotted by the opposition and invalidated by the Constitutional Court. On September 19, 2006, Thaksin was deposed in a military coup, and his party was outlawed.
Thaksin lived in self-imposed exile for 15 years, except for a brief visit to Thailand in 2008, before returning to Thailand in August 2023. During his exile, he was sentenced in absentia to two years in jail for abuse of power and stripped of his police rank of Police Lieutenant Colonel.
Thaksin's business empire, Shin Corporation, is valued at over $10 billion. His mobile phone operator, Advanced Info Service, is one of the largest in Thailand. His vast wealth has made him a significant player in Thai politics and economy.
Thaksin's tenure as Prime Minister has had a lasting impact on Thai politics and society. His policies, although controversial, have shaped the country's economy and infrastructure. His influence has also extended to the region, making him a significant player in Southeast Asian politics.
"The problem is not the drug, the problem is the mafia."
"I'm not a dictator, I'm a prime minister who gets things done."
Thaksin's political ideology is often described as populist and nationalist. He has been known for his strong leadership style and his ability to connect with the masses. However, his authoritarian tendencies and allegations of corruption have also been criticized.
Thaksin's rise to power and subsequent downfall are a reflection of Thailand's complex and often tumultuous political landscape. His legacy is marked by controversy, but also by significant economic and infrastructure development. As he returns to Thailand, his influence on the country's future remains to be seen.
62 Years Old
English-Thai economist and politician who served as the 27th Prime Minister of Thailand, known for his efforts to stabilize the country's economy and politics during a tumultuous period.
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The 26th Prime Minister of Thailand, a lawyer-turned-politician who served from 2008 to 2009, is known for his brief but tumultuous tenure marked by protests and a military coup. He's also the brother-in-law of former PM Thaksin Shinawatra.
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A Thai general-turned-politician who served as the country's 24th Prime Minister, known for his role in stabilizing the government after a military coup. He's also credited with implementing reforms to promote national unity and reconciliation.
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The 8th Secretary-General of the United Nations, a South Korean politician and diplomat who played a crucial role in promoting global peace, security, and sustainable development. He's known for his efforts to combat climate change and advocate for human rights.
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The founder of modern Singapore, who transformed the country from a poor post-colonial state to a thriving economic powerhouse through visionary leadership and pragmatic policies. He is revered for his role in shaping Singapore's identity and prosperity.
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A Malaysian physician-turned-politician who served as Prime Minister twice, implementing economic reforms and promoting national unity. He's known for his strong leadership and nation-building efforts.
