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Snapshot 2:Tue, Jun 18, 2024 8:12:00 PM GMT last edited by Brian

Thailand: Former PM Indicted on Royal Defamation Charges

Thailand: Former PM Indicted on Royal Defamation Charges

Above: AUGUST 22, 2023: Former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra greets supporters as he arrives at Don Mueang International Airport on in Bangkok, Thailand. Image credit: Lauren DeCicca/Stringer/Getty Images News via Getty Images

The Spin

Thaksin is a corrupt businessman-turned-politician who, despite his indictments and previous parole status, decided to act as a de facto diplomat by meeting with foreign governments. Instead of allowing the MFP to take charge and make real change, Thaksin's Pheu Thai Party is also proposing economic policies that would benefit his corporate friends over working-class people.

Thaksin's wealth doesn't mean he's an elitist. Upon entering politics he garnered a voter base of working-class Thais, particularly farmers, whom he provided lower healthcare costs. As Thaksin's anti-monarchy platform inspired regular people to speak out themselves, however, the military establishment cracked down on him and his supporters through coups and lawfare.

Metaculus Prediction

There is a 55% chance that Thailand experiences a coup d'etat before 2040, according to the Metaculus prediction community.


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© 2025 Improve the News Foundation.

All rights reserved.

Version 6.18.0