What is thaksin shinawatra?

Thaksin Shinawatra (Thai: ทักษิณ ชินวัตร, RTGS: Thaksin Chinnawat, pronounced [tʰák.sǐn t͡ɕʰīn.ná.wát]; born 26 July 1949) is a Thai businessman, politician, and visiting professor. He served as the Prime Minister of Thailand from 2001 to 2006.

• Early Life and Education: Thaksin was born into a wealthy Sino-Thai family in Chiang Mai. He studied at the Armed Forces Academies Preparatory School and the Royal Police Academy, later earning a Ph.D. in Criminal Justice from Sam Houston State University in the United States.

• Business Career: Before entering politics, Thaksin was a successful businessman. He founded Advanced Info Service (AIS), Thailand's largest mobile phone operator, and Shin Corporation, a major telecommunications conglomerate. These ventures made him one of Thailand's wealthiest individuals.

• Political Career: He founded the Thai Rak Thai party in 1998 and led it to a landslide victory in the 2001 general election. His policies focused on poverty reduction, healthcare reform (30 Baht healthcare scheme), and rural development. He also implemented measures to stimulate the Thai economy.

• 2006 Coup d'état: While Thaksin was attending the United Nations General Assembly in New York City in September 2006, a military coup d'état led by General Sonthi Boonyaratglin overthrew his government.

• Exile and Legal Issues: Following the coup, Thaksin went into self-imposed exile. He faced several corruption charges in Thailand, which he claims were politically motivated. He was convicted in absentia in multiple cases.

• Return to Thailand: After 15 years in self-imposed exile, Thaksin returned to Thailand in August 2023 and was immediately taken into custody to begin serving sentences for past convictions. Shortly after, he received a royal pardon.

• Controversies: Thaksin's time in power, his business dealings, and his subsequent legal troubles have been marked by significant controversy and political division in Thailand. He has both fervent supporters and detractors.