Thailand's ancient booze restrictions are not helping the hopes to boost international tourism.
The official news that Thailand's Eastern Aviation City, 60 kilometers from Pattaya, is to have 24-hours booze sales shouldn't set the champagne corks popping just yet. The only part of the "City" that has actually been built is U-tapao airport, so the interior ministry's announcement in the Royal Gazette just brings the rules into line with Bangkok's passenger air hubs. The rest of the multi-billion baht "City", a flagship initiative of the Eastern Economic Corridor, will take years to complete.
None the less, the booze liberalization on Pattaya's doorstep will intensify the efforts to extend drinking time in Sin City beyond the current 2 amwhich, ahem, is enforced selectively. Damrongriet Pinitkarn, secretary of the lobbying group Pattaya Entertainments Association, has been campaigning vigorously to see the cash tills ringing later. The two new Move Forward MPs for Pattaya say they will lobby the new parliament as well. They all stress that the bars and clubs need to maximize their income to compensate for the ghost town reality during the pandemic. A similar campaign is on the go in Phuket.
Given that the old military-backed government and the new ruling coalition are both committed to boosting the numbers of international tourists, the case for booze-rule liberalization is overwhelming. A local MP said the most likely scenario was an extension of drinking time in nominated tourist areas throughout the country to 4 am and the abolition of the odd rule, originally introduced by a military junta in the 1970s, that restricts alcohol sales in stores and convenience shops to 11.00 am to 2 pm and 5 pm to midnight. Next year is the likely timeline. Never try to hurry the Orient.
The new government will consider extending tourist visa validities from 30 days to 90 days and the easing of immigration procedures, to make them more convenient for foreign tourists, said Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, responding to call from tourism business operators for the government to boost the tourism industry.
He also said, however, that the proposal from some tourism business operators for the government to exempt entry visas for tourists from China, India and Russia is a different issue, which has security implications and has to be considered carefully.
The prime minister met today (Saturday) with tourism businesses in Phang-nga province, to listen to their problems and their recommendations for tourism promotion and views on the potential of wellness and health tourism along the Andaman coast.
The meeting also discussed the possibility of renovating an old airport in Phang-nga, to accommodate small commercial planes, and the promotion of tourism in local communities, to boost sales of local products and the incomes of local people.
It is reported that there are about 3,000 communities which have the potential to develop a local tourism business, but most of them are not properly registered and, therefore, have no access to state support.
The prime minister told the meeting's participants that, although the Pheu Thai party does not have a single MP in Phang-nga, Krabi, Phuket or Ranong provinces, he will treat these provinces without discrimination and will try to boost tourism there, because he wants "to be the prime minister for all Thais."
https://www.thaipbsworld.com/pm-to-look-into-extending-tourist-visas-to-90-days/
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin stated today that the latest speculations regarding the allocation of ministerial seats, as reported in the news, are not far from reality.
He did not deny that he might also assume the finance minister seat and mentioned that Pheu Thai deputy party leader Phumtham Wechayachai would understand if he does not secure the interior minister seat, as speculated earlier.
Based on these comments from the prime minister, here are the most recent cabinet speculations reported in the news up to this point:
- Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin = Finance Minister
- Prommin Lertsuridej = PM's Secretary-General
- Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara = Deputy Prime Minster in charge of economic affairs
- Deputy Party Leader Chusak Sirinil = Deputy Prime Minister in charge of legal affairs
- List-MP Somsak Thepsutin = Deputy Prime Minister
- Party Leader and Nan MP Chonlanan Srikaew = Health Minister
- Party Deputy Leader Phumtham Wechayachai = Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister
- List-MP Suriya Juangroongruangkit = Transport Minister
- Party Secretary-General Prasert Chantararuangthong = Digital Economy and Society Minister
- Chiang Mai MP Julaphan Amornvivat = Foreign Minister
- List-MP Suthin Klangsaeng = Education Minister (still disputed) or Culture Minister
- List-MP Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol = Tourism Minister
- Surapong Piyachot = Deputy Transport Minister
- Nakhon Phanom MP Monporn Charoensri = Deputy Transport Minister
- Krisada Chinavicharana = Deputy Finance Minister
- Sermsak Pongpanit = Deputy Interior Minister
Bhumjaithai Party = 4 ministerial seats and 4 deputy ministerial seats
- Party Leader Anutin Charnvirakul = Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister
- Newin's brother, Pol Gen Permpoon Chidchob = Education Minister (still disputed)
- Deputy Party Leader Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn = Labour Minister
- Deputy party Leader Songsak Thongsri = Minister of Higher Education
- Deputy Party Leader and Uthai Thani MP Chada Thaiseth = Deputy Minister of Interior
- List-MP Supamat Issarapakdi = Deputy Commerce Minister
- Ratchaburi MP Napintorn Srisunpang = Deputy Agriculture Minister
- Ayutthaya MP Surasak Phancharoenworakun = Deputy Education Minister
Palang Pracharath Party = 2 ministerial seats and 2 deputy ministerial seats
- Gen Prawit's brother and party chief adviser, Pol Gen Patcharawat Wongsuwan = Deputy Prime Minister and Deputy Minister of the Natural Resources and Environment
- Party Secretary-General Capt Thammanat Prompao - Agriculture Minister
- Deputy Party Leader Santi Promphat = Deputy Health Minister
- Kamphaeng Phet MP Pai Leeke or Sa Kaeo MP Trinuch Thienthong (conflicting reports) = Deputy Finance Minister
Ruam Thai Sang Chart Party = 2 ministerial seats and 2 deputy ministerial seats
- Party Leader Pirapan Salirathavibhaga = Deputy Prime Minister and Energy Minister
- List-MP Chayotid Kridakon = Industry Minister
- Chumphon MP Supol Junsai = Deputy Interior Minister
- Chai Nat MP Anucha Nakasai = Deputy Agriculture Minister
Chart Thai Pattana Party = 1 ministerial seat
- Party Leader Varawut Silpa-archa = Social Development and Human Security Minister
Prachachart Party = 1 ministerial seat
- Party Leader Pol Col Tawee Sodsong = Justice Minister
The median age in Thailand currently stands at 40 years and two months, far older than the world average of 30 years and five months. This startling fact suggests that if Thailand fails to take action now, it could rapidly be overwhelmed by problems related to its aging society.
Thailand's population is on course to shrink by at least 50% by 2100, according to the Social Development and Human Security Ministry.
"I believe Thai governments both past and present have been aware of this fact. But I don't know if the [incoming] government will introduce clear-cut or radical policies to address this situation," said Professor Teera Sindecharak, who lectures at Thammasat University's Sociology and Anthropology Faculty.
Economic and social impacts
Teera warns that the ongoing demographic trend could mean that infrastructure designed to serve huge numbers of people will soon be left half-empty. And businesses may find it difficult to attract enough customers or staff to continue operating.
"Every sector will be affected, from nurseries to schools to universities to big corporations," he said. "Big investments in mega infrastructure projects may be wasted because they end up serving a much smaller number of users."
The trend will also see extended families becoming replaced by smaller nuclear family units, he added. Generation gaps will become bigger because people nowadays tend to marry at an older age compared with previous generations. More people will also live alone, while maintaining ties with friends and distant relatives. More couples who get married may decide not to have children because they cherish their freedom and independence.
"Technology will likely play an even bigger role in people's lives," Teera continued. "Some people will likely turn to the virtual world for social interaction as there will be fewer people around them, fewer relatives or in-laws."
He said the shrinking population could also lead to social problems, economic difficulties and even national security issues.
Thailand's population situation
Thailand's population stands at 66 million people, but at least 20% of citizens are over 60 and this is expected to grow to 30% by 2036.
This current year also marks the first time when the number of people aged 20 to 24 entering the workforce is lower than the number of people retiring, or those aged 60 to 64.
The birthrate in Thailand has been dropping for several decades. Mahidol University's Institute for Population and Social Research reports that half a century ago, each woman in Thailand gave birth to an average of just over five children.
However, the average fertility rate has plummeted over the past few decades, dropping to 2.2 births per woman in 1991 and just 1.1 births in 2021. As such, the number of babies born in Thailand has crashed. More than a million babies were born in Thailand every year between 1963 and 1983. But last year, the number was as low as 502,107 babies.
It is notable that 2021 saw the number of deaths overtake births for the first time ever in Thailand.
Policy recommendations
Dr Boonyarit Sukrat, who heads the Bureau of Reproductive Health, said that to restore a healthy population balance, Thailand must look beyond the birthrate and embrace foreign migrants.
"Importing good quality migrant workers is one possible solution."
Boonyarit wants the government to establish systems and measures to combat the dangers presented by its shrinking population. These systems and measures, he said, should foster inclusivity, equality and non-discrimination. "Nobody should be left behind," he said.
Boonyarit added that the Health Department is already encouraging Thais to get married and have children via various promotional activities aimed at helping the younger generation take a positive attitude toward starting a family.
"We have also made policy recommendations to the government," he said.
Thailand will likely need to import more foreign professionals, immigrants, refugees and migrant workers to answer demands in its labor market, according to a press conference titled "Policy Reframing: Replacement Migration" held last week by Mahidol University's Institute for Population and Social Research.
It recommended that the government grant Thai nationality to about 200,000 qualified foreigners every year. Achieving that goal would allow Thailand to compensate for half of the drop in population numbers, the institute said.
"We don't need foreigners for 100% replacement yet, because we can tackle the population shift with other measures as well," said Prof Dr Aphichat Chamratrithirong, senior advisor at the institute.
Other measures would include developing a quality elderly society, upgrading human resources, extending the retirement age, and replacing humans with technology in the workplace.
Thammasat lecturer Teera agreed, adding that authorities should ensure that couples who want to have children get the support to fulfil this desire. Meanwhile, people who do not want or cannot have children should also be taught how to properly prepare for living in their retirement alone.
"Those who are yet to make up their minds should be offered comprehensive information so they can make informed decisions," Teera said.
Consequences of poor policies
Critics say Thailand is in demographic crisis because of a lack of policies to support people to start a family.
Currently, parents have the right to 90 days of paternity/maternity leave and a payment of 13,000 baht per birth. Couples with children also get tax benefits, while parents under the Social Development and Human Security Ministry's scheme receive monthly support of 600 baht per child up to the age of six.
Still, when compared with developed nations, these measures seem neither tempting nor practical.
In Singapore, parents are granted 8,000 Singapore dollars (about 207,000 baht) for their first and second child, and 10,000 Singapore dollars for their third child.
In the Czech Republic, parents can take extended time off at partial salary – two years off at half pay and a third year at 33% – to care for their babies.
New government, new hope?
Thailand's new ruling party, Pheu Thai, has clear policies on boosting the birthrate, said Teera. For instance, the party has pledged to provide better welfare to new parents in the form of childbirth allowances, longer leave, and more generous child support subsidies. It has also offered to help with assisted reproductive technology to address infertility.
Read more at https://www.thaipbsworld.com/does-crashing-birthrate-and-aging-society-spell-doom-for-thailand/
Thailand's new prime minister Srettha Thavisin has set a new record, even though he has not yet started work as the country's new leader, thanks to his height.
Srettha, whose is 192cm tall, towers over his predecessor, Prayut Chan-o-cha, whose stands at 178cm. He is Thailand's tallest ever prime minister. Srettha is now the tallest ASEAN leader. Before former Singapore leader Goh Chok Tong was the tallest.
Among the world leaders, according to the South China Morning Post's (SCMP) website, Serbia's president, Aleksandar Vučić, is the tallest, at 198cm.
Now Srettha is the second tallest among the world leaders. Before former US President Donald Trump and Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau are both 188cm. They shared the title of second tallest world leaders, until now.
According to SCMP online, former US President Barack Obama is 185cm, incumbent US President Joe Biden stands at 182cm, Malaysia's former leader Mahathir Mohamad and China's President Xi Jinping are both 179cm. Meanwhile France's President Emmanuel Macron ranks ninth in terms of world leader height.
Srettha Thavisin: Connections, career, and criticism of Thailand's new prime minister
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Srettha Thavisin has become Thailand's 30th prime minister after being endorsed by royal command.
The property tycoon turned politician – one of coalition leader Pheu Thai's three prime ministerial candidates – managed to secure the required parliamentary majority on Tuesday despite being hit by a barrage of criticism. Srettha won 482 votes (of 330 MPs and 152 senators) with 165 votes against (152 MPs and 13 senators), and 81 abstentions (13 MPs and 68 senators).
Critics have questioned Srettha's integrity and his qualifications to lead the next government. Among them is political whistleblower Chuwit Kamolvisit, who accused the incoming prime minister of facilitating tax evasion, an allegation that Srettha denied while accusing Chuwit of blackmail.
Many of the senators who voted for Srettha are close to outgoing PM Prayut Chan-o-cha – including his younger brother General Preecha Chan-o-cha and his former classmate General Chatchai Sarikulya. The two men are among the 250 senators appointed by the post-coup junta led by General Prayut.
Srettha, 61, showed little sign of emotion during Wednesday's ceremony at Pheu Thai headquarters for his royal endorsement as PM. The solemn event was attended by other key Pheu Thai figures, including party leader Cholnan Srikaew and fellow PM candidate Paetongtarn Shinawatra, along with leaders of other coalition partners.
Behind a successful man
Standing next to Srettha during the ceremony was his wife, Dr Pakpilai, a specialist in anti-ageing medicine, exercise buff and founder of a Bangkok skincare clinic.
The couple have been married for 34 years and have three children – two sons and a daughter.
Srettha was born on February 15, 1962, as the only son of a wealthy family that is related to five major Chinese-Thai business families – Yipintsoi, Chakkapak, Jutrakul, Lamsam, and Buranasiri. His father died when he was only three years old.
He received a bachelor's degree in economics from the University of Massachusetts and a master's degree in business administration from Claremont Graduate School in the US.
After returning from the US in 1986, Srettha began his career as an assistant product manager at consumer goods giant P&G Thailand, before shifting to the real estate sector. In 1988, he founded the property company Sansiri, which went on to build over 400 residential projects across the country and become Thailand's largest real estate developer.
Sansiri went public in November 1995 and was listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand in July 1996. In the first half of this year, the company made a net profit of over 3.2 billion baht, the largest among the country's top 10 property developers.
Leaving business for politics
Srettha served as Sansiri's president and chief executive before entering politics in March as a PM candidate of Pheu Thai. Last November, he became chief adviser to Paetongtarn in her capacity as head of the Pheu Thai Family.
Srettha's connection with the party dates back to his time as an unofficial adviser to Yingluck Shinawatra, prime minister of the Pheu Thai-led government that was ousted by the 2014 military coup.
Srettha surprised many political observers when he admitted earlier this year that former red-shirt leader Nattawut Saikuar, who joined him at campaign rallies before the May 14 general election, is the politician that he "respects and admires the most". He explained that Nattawut has an in-depth political understanding that inspired him to enter politics.
His supporters praise Srettha as a brilliant business leader with the courage to criticize government policies, particularly regarding social inequality. They extol him as an experienced executive with a firm grasp of Thailand's economic situation.
Vowing to fight inequality
After being endorsed on Wednesday, Srettha promised to fight against inequality as prime minister. He has proposed that reducing inequality be a national agenda in order to narrow the social and income gaps.
"Inequality is the cause of most problems in the world. Is it so difficult to coexist equally? Equality should instead bring sustainable happiness," he said.
He warned that if the inequality issue is ignored, finding sustainable solutions to the country's social problems would be impossible even with a strong economy.
Srettha often uses social media to offer views on how to tackle economic, social and even political issues. By using their preferred social networking channels, he seems to be targeting young Thais with his messages and calls for change.
Over the past two years, his efforts to publicize his views have expanded beyond social media to regular appearances on panel discussions and seminars on economics and politics, as well as occasional live interviews with online media.
Some observers see parallels between Srettha's profile and that of Pheu Thai's patriarch Thaksin Shinawatra before his entry into politics – business leaders who dare to speak out and make quick decisions on the economy to tackle the country's problems.
Before formally taking office, Thailand's next prime minister Srettha Thavisin flew to Phuket province today (Friday), accompanied by Pheu Thai party staff in charge of tourism promotion, to meet with business people and residents of the province.
Srettha and his staff, which included Dr. Prommin Lertsuridej, chief of the party's policy committee on tourism, and Chakrapong Saengmanee of the tourism working committee, met with Kirati Kitmanawat, head of the Airports of Thailand Public Company, for a briefing on problems at Suvarnabhumi International Airport.
The prime minister-elect will spend today and tomorrow in Phuket and neighbouring Phang-nga, both popular tourist destinations. Today, he is scheduled to meet with tourism operators at the Ramada Plaza Chao Fah Hotel, for discussion of the new government's tourism strategy and development in Phuket. At night, they will tour the old part of Phuket town and the famous Bang La beach road along Pa Tong beach to meet with business operators and tourists.
On Saturday, he will travel to Phang-nga province to meet tourism operators at the Moracea by Khao Lak Resort, to discuss wellness tourism, before flying back to Bangkok in the afternoon.
THE MINISTRY OF JUSTICE was today (Aug.24) taken to task for allegedly granting undue privileges for de facto Pheu Thai boss Thaksin Shinawatra as a convicted inmate who was physically put behind bars for barely a half day.
A group of street activists led by the so-called Students and People's Network for Thailand's Reform peacefully demonstrated outside the headquarters of the Ministry of Justice in protest of the agency whom they accused of practising double standards by providing undue privileges for the deposed prime minister who returned on Tuesday from 17 years in self-exile abroad after he had been deposed in the 2006 coup and sentenced in absentia by court to eight years in jail for a few separate cases of misconduct perpetrated during his premiership nearly two decades ago.
The alleged double standards practised by the Corrections Department under care of the Ministry of Justice to satisfy the desires of the de facto Pheu Thai boss regardless of the law under which he should have been treated like other inmates were unduly compromising the country's judicial integrity, the anti-Thaksin activists said.
While residing abroad shortly before flying a private jet to Bangkok, Thaksin had had pictures of himself alongside visiting family members posted on social media to supposedly show he was strong and healthy but was suddenly reported of illnesses and transferred in the middle of Tuesday night from Bangkok Remand Prison to Police Hospital after he had stayed at a nursing unit in the premises of the prison for barely a half day. The activists charged that the de facto Pheu Thai boss had feigned his way out of the prison.
Thaksin could probably be preoccupied with the unfinished allocation of cabinet portfolios following Tuesday's successful naming of Pheu Thai candidate for prime minister Srettha Thavisin, personally associated with his sister/deposed prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra.
In a security-tightened room at the hospital, the de facto Pheu Thai boss may have access to a cellphone with which he could literally play his part in the purely political business from his hospital bed. Under no circumstances is a cellphone allowed for use by inmates in prison.
The new premier greets the media as he arrives for a press conference at Pheu Thai Party's headquarters. (Photo: Apichart Jinakul)_
Tourism operators welcome speculation on the new cabinet, with the Tourism and Sports Ministry forecast to be headed by the leading political party, Pheu Thai, which has vowed to stimulate the industry through various mechanisms.
Though a new cabinet has yet to be announced, several news outlets reported the ministry would be allotted to Pheu Thai, changing hands from the Bhumjaithai Party.
Adith Chairattananon, honorary secretary-general of the Association of Thai Travel Agents, said if the new tourism and sports minister came from Pheu Thai, it would be positive for the industry in terms of budget allocation and effectiveness in integrating relevant policies with other economic ministries.
If the ministry is led by the Bhumjaithai Party again, tourism policies are likely to remain the same, he said.
"We are looking forward to more fresh ideas," said Mr Adith.
He said he is optimistic about this shift, as Pheu Thai has already pledged to fix visa application problems for Chinese tour groups and the party wants to introduce visa fee waivers for foreign tourists.
Mr Adith said these measures are more likely to occur if the Pheu Thai Party also takes charge of the Foreign Affairs Ministry, which was forecast.
Srettha Thavisin, the new prime minister, also vowed to develop two new airports in Chiang Mai and Phuket. Mr Adith said the government should focus instead on developing infrastructure in second-tier tourism cities.
He said tourism operators agree with Mr Srettha's idea to revamp regional airports in more provinces, instead of increasing investment at major destinations.
While the Pheu Thai Party has a track record in developing economic policies in the past, Suksit Suvunditkul, president of the southern chapter of the Thai Hotels Association (THA), said it will take a while to see how much the new government can drive the economy.
Mr Suksit said the THA is concerned with the party's minimum wage policy because it would affect hotels with three stars and below.
He said the new government should prioritise reducing operational costs and other living expenses at an appropriate rate, such as electricity fees and food products.
As the Pheu Thai Party is also aiming for the Transport Ministry, Mr Suksit wants the party to solve several problems in Phuket, including taxi scams, drivers using ride-hailing apps being unable to enter the airport, and development of more public transport networks.
The continued availability of marijuana is an important consequence for international tourism.
In order to achieve post-election constitutional power, Thailand's Pheu Thai party finds itself abed with its former enemies allied to the military junta which seized power in 2014. It may seem a wobbly coalition, but it's likely to last several years. Pheu Thai fears that its erstwhile popularity will dip, or perhaps ditch, in a fresh general election. The military-backed parties may face wipe-out as younger Thais in particular clearly prefer the radical reformist policies of the Move Forward party now consigned to sit on the opposition benches. That's despite Move Forward having won the most seats in the May 2023 general election.
The most obvious consequence of the latest power alignment in Bangkok is excellent news for the marijuana industry and its thousands of retail outlets throughout the country. The total delisting of the drug as a narcotic in 2022 was a flagship achievement of the Bhumjaithai party which is (as usual) a vital component of the new coalition. During the recent election, Pheu Thai had voiced concerns about the weed and threatened to return it to narcotic status. Nothing more will be heard of that. Instead, the new administration will introduce a bill to clarify some ambiguous details such as business registration procedures, cannabis cafes and permissible marketing strategies. Pot smokers can rest easy, at any rate in private.
Thai authorities are likely to continue the policy of welcoming international tourists, no matter who and where from, to offset the weak numbers arriving from China. That country, prior to covid, was the principal recruitment source. So expect marketing campaigns, promoted by the Tourist Authority of Thailand's offices abroad, to describe the charms of Siam whilst mentioning the welcoming atmosphere for niche-market Muslims, gays and medical tourists as well as tour groups and independent travellers. Thus immigration and visa regulations for short-term tourists are likely to remain fairly open – TM30 address registration notwithstanding – although expats on annual extensions can expect to see tightening of the rules regarding cash deposits and comprehensive medical insurance, as anticipated recently by deputy national police chief Surachate Hakparn. Whether the well-known immigration rear doors and escape hatches will remain unscathed remains to be seen.
Investments in large infrastructure projects to benefit the long-term economic and commercial development of Thailand will continue, especially those in the Eastern Economic Corridor which includes Pattaya. For example, plans to create 4 billion baht cruise port at Bali Hai are sure to be approved provided foreign backers are convinced about the potential. Not to mention an overhead monorail facility to link Pattaya rail station with the city center which needs to be coordinated with the fast-track train services linking U-tapao airport with Bangkok. Although such developments are years away from potential completion, Pattaya expats can expect to see a continuation of the crane, digger, tractor and traffic upheaval of the recent past. Progress demands temporary inconvenience, or so they say.
Tuesday marked the end of an era in Thailand as the former premier ended his extended period in exile since 2008 and even before that, from 2006 on the same day as his political party saw its nominee elected as Thailand's 30th Prime Minister. The kingdom's most famous inmate, now housed at Bangkok Remand Prison, ended the day in a private room at a medical ward under 24-hour medical care as he began an eight-year prison sentence which many expect will be a lot shorter than that but, as the last 100 days since the May 14th General Election show, nothing is ever as predictable in Thailand as it is in other countries.
Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra was airlifted from prison early on Wednesday morningto Police General Hospital in Bangkok after becoming ill just 12 hours after being admitted to the medical wing of Bangkok's Remand Prison on Tuesday. The former PM is reported to have had difficulty sleeping and appeared to be suffering unease.
The news came through at 3 am and the incident was reported to have occurred at 12.30 am on Wednesdaywith Mr Thaksin suffering from high blood pressure according to the Governor of Bangkok Remand Prison Nastee Thongplad.
Tuesday was a historic day in Thailand which saw the imprisonment of one of the country's greatest Prime Ministers, Thaksin Shinawatra, a divisive figure who had dominated the country's politics for two decades.
Mr Thaksin was sent to prison on Tuesday morningby order of the Supreme Court to serve 8 years in respect of three finalised convictions and was later admitted to Bangkok Remand Prison where on Tuesday night he was reported to be staying in a monitored room at the medical wing of the establishment without air conditioning but with limited online connectivity to keep in touch with family and friends.
The former PM is now reported to be preparing to file a petition to Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn for a Royal pardon, a process which could take one to two months.
Former Thai Prime Minister, from 2001 to 2006, Thaksin Shinawatra, was seen at Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok on Tuesday morning after his arrest on the tarmac when his private jet touched down. He was greeted by well-wishers who came out to cheer him on. Later in the morning, after being whisked off to appear before the Supreme Court in the Sanam Luang area of the capital, he was taken to Bangkok Remand Prison, where he was admitted to a medical ward before lunchtime as he began an eight-year prison sentence for abuse of power, fraud and corruption.
Tuesday morning saw the historic return of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to Thailand.
74-year-old Mr Thaksin arrived shortly after 9 amon a flight from Singapore on a private jet together with his son Panthongtae 'Oak' Shinawatra and other close members of the family.
He was met at the airport by his daughter and Pheu Thai Party prime ministerial nominee Paetongtarn Shinawatra.
Charismatic PM was, as always, dressed smartly as he made history on Tuesday. Acclaimed by supporters among the public, he paid homage to the King
The former prime minister, a charismatic figure, was dressed smartly in a blue suit with a white shirt and pink tie and greeted the crowds before he paid his respects by bowing and praying before a garlanded picture of the Thai monarch, His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn.
Thaksin was arrested as he emerged from his large private jet on the airport tarmac by Police Colonel Komwut Jong Boonwattana, the Superintendent of Immigration for Bangkok Airport Immigration Division Two.
Police Colonel Komwut executed several warrants against the former prime minister including three related to completed legal proceedings for which he had been sentenced to 10 years in prison and also, it was reported, two warrants in connection with offences under Article 112 of the Criminal Code which also specified various terrorism-related offences.
These latter two warrants were a surprise and we await further details.
Arrested as he got off the plane. Two surprise warrants related to alleged Article 112 and terrorism offences. Supporters cheered his motorcade to court
Mr Thaksin was taken quickly from the airport in a police motorcade to the Sanam Luang area of the capital where sparse crowds lined the route, some of them dressed in red shirts and showing their support of the former prime minister who was seen as the figurehead in the struggle against military rule in the kingdom since the September 2006 coup d'état which outside him from power, up to this year's General Election.
The election aftermath has seen the unlikely formation of a government coalition which sees the Pheu Thai Party, associated with Mr Thaksin, coalescing with parties associated with the military junta in a move which has alienated many of Mr Thaksin's diehard supporters and left the party that won the May 14th General Election, Move Forward, in opposition.
The atmosphere at the airport on Tuesday morningwas one of excitement with the hurly-burly of enthusiastic supporters among the public and a huge press contingent.
Thailand had waited 15 years to see this homecoming.
Tuesday's return the real thing after 15 years
Mr Thaksin returned to Thailand in 2008, two years after the 2006 military coup, but Tuesday's arrival was seen as a more historic and conclusive event, particularly given the old age of the political figure, his stated desire to be with his family and grandchildren and the need in the kingdom to see a resolution to the political division that has caused severe harm to Thailand's economy since 2006.
Mr Thaksin appeared before the Supreme Court Criminal Division of Persons Holding Political Positions shortly after 10 am, during which details of the convictions against him were outlined to the hearing after Mr Thaksin had confirmed that he was the person identified in the three arrest warrants.
One of the convictions related to a loan provided to the government of Myanmar for ฿4 billion in 2004 by the Export-Import Bank of Thailand (Exim), a state-owned institution, when Thaksin was Prime Minister.
This money was subsequently used to purchase materials and equipment from Shin Satellite PLC, a company owned by Mr Thaksin and his family.
The prison term was three years in this case.
Two-year prison system for operating a national lottery without any legislation from 2003 to 2006 with five years for telecoms franchise corruption case
The second, the court heard, was a prison sentence of two years against the former premier.
Mr Thaksin was convicted for operating a nationwide lottery from 2003 to 2006 without the support of appropriate legislation, which was considered a corruption offence and led to a subsequent conviction.
The most serious case related to granting telephone concessions to companies controlled by Mr Thaksin's family Shin Corp, which were acts adjudged to be offences under the Organic Act for Counter-Corruption.
The conviction saw Thaksin receive a five-year prison sentence.
This court, on Tuesday, declared that Mr Thaksin should serve three years in total for the first two offences followed by the third term which would see the former government leader in prison for eight years.
Thaksin taken to Bangkok Remand Prison, he was admitted in time for lunch and ended up in the medical facility with a private room with no air con
At 10.40 am, Mr Thaksin's motorcade was whisked inside the Bangkok Remand Prison and he was taken through the prison admission process in which he passed through three different barriers leading to him being fingerprinted and having his photographs taken.
Reports from officers involved in the operation suggest that Mr Thaksin showed no sign of stress and talked politely with officials.
He was then taken to the medical facility at the prison where he was housed in a room within Zone Seven on the second floor of the building apart from other prisoners.
After his admission, Thaksin had been the subject of an extensive physical examination which together with documentation supplied by his doctors and medical institutions in Dubai, identified that the older prisoner suffered from four underlying medical health issues including heart disease, a lung ailment reported to be chronic pneumonia, high blood pressure and a condition known as spondylosis which involves the degeneration of the bones and discs near the spine area of the body.
Acting Minister of Justice Wissanu Krea-ngam in a reported visit to the prison as Corrections Department and ministry officials gave a press conference
During Mr Thaksin's admission to prison and his arrival at the medical facility, it is understood that the acting Minister of Justice, Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam, visited the prison and brought with him documentation.
It is not yet clear whether the Justice Minister met personally with Mr Thaksin but there are reports that Mr Wissanu changed cars on his trip to the prison as a security precaution.
At 1.30 pm, officials from the Ministry of Justice together with officials within the Department of Corrections including the Director of the Corrections Department, Mr Ayut Sinthopphan, gave more extensive details on Mr Thaksin's incarceration on Tuesday.
They confirmed that he was being housed in Zone Seven on the second floor of the medical building within Bangkok Remand Prison where inmates are supervised with CCTV cameras as well as round-the-clock monitoring by doctors and physicians.
No family visitors for five days but limited internet access as doctors at the prison medical facility make Thaksin's health a priority as an inmate
Reporters were told that management at the prison was concerned that Mr Thaksin's health was preserved and that he was receiving the appropriate care including accommodation.
It was revealed that Thaksin's private room does not have air conditioning but did contain a few fans while an area had been reserved for him to meet visitors who are expected after an initial five-day period for medical screenings during which the former PM has limited online access through two or three popular apps to make contact with his family and friends.
Reporters heard that Thaksin took lunch at the prison on Tuesday but only ate some bread and drank some bottled water.
Dinner at the prison on Tuesday evening was to consist of boiled rice and vegetables.
Officials explained that Mr Thaksin would have access to the prison shop where he would have a daily allowance of between ฿500 and ฿600 baht to buy various products including food products form a carefully selected range to offer a low sodium diet.
Reports of a possible change of hospital as Thaksin prepares to submit a petition for a Royal pardon a process that normally takes one to two months
On Tuesday, there were some reports that Mr Thaksin, at some point in the future, could be removed from the prison hospital to hospitals that are associated with the Corrections Department under the auspices of the Ministry for Public Health including the Police Hospital in Bangkok.
Sources also reported that Mr Thaksin is anxious to submit a petition seeking a royal pardon as soon as possible.
This normally takes a period of one to two months to be processed but can be made from the first day in prison in respect of fully finalised cases.
In the course of the press conference given by the Department of Corrections and the Ministry of Justice on Tuesday, it was explained that normally such applications are prepared by the prisoner and relatives before they are submitted by the prison to the Department of Corrections.
From hence, they are sent to the Ministry of Justice and then to the Privy Council before being considered by the King.
If refused, Thaksin must wait two more years
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, the acting Minister for Justice Mr Wissanu Krea-ngam explained that if Mr Thaksin's individual request for a pardon is not approved, he would be prohibited from making a similar request for two years.
At the beginning of the day's events, Mr Thaksin was seen off at Singapore's Changi Airport by his sister and former Prime Minister, Yingluck Shinawatra, who posted a poignant note after his plane had taken off for the Thai capital.
Ms Yingluck had accompanied Mr Thaksin to Singapore and it is believed, has lived in close proximity to her brother since she fled Thailand herself into exile in August 2007, some weeks before a court handed down a five-year prison sentence for her role in Thailand's disastrous right pledging initiative, a signature policy of her government which was in power from 2011 to 2014.
Sad and poignant message from Thaksin's beloved younger sister and Thailand's first female PM after he flew from Singapore on his return to Thailand
'Now the day you have been waiting for has come,' Yingluck wrote in her message. 'Throughout the 17 years, I know you have been lonely, unhappy and homesick. I believe it took you quite a long time to make this decision. You want to be with family and spend your life in your home country. I respect your strong determination. I will keep in my memory our trip together from Dubai until you departed on a plane back to Thailand.'
The former prime minister thanked her brother for his support during her six years in exile and noted that it was one of the first times in that period that they had not travelled together.
Ms Yingluck and Mr Thaksin were recently seen on trips to Hong Kong and Cambodia with both attending birthday celebrations for Cambodia's former Prime Minister and strongman Hun Sen, a move that drew criticism from liberal political quarters in Thailand.
'I wish you good luck and a safe journey. Do not forget to take care of your health. Do not worry about me. I will be strong and patient. I will look after myself, although I will be alone in a foreign land,' Ms Yingluck said. 'You have taken good care of me. I cannot help feeling sad because this is the first time we are not travelling together. Good luck my brother.'
Thailand's ex-PM Thaksin to serve 8 years in jail - court statement
Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who is expected to be arrested upon his return as he ends almost two decades of self-imposed exile, waves at Don Mueang airport in Bangkok, Thailand August 22, 2023. REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha Acquire Licensing Rights
BANGKOK, Aug 22 (Reuters) - Thailand's former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who returned from self-exile on Tuesday, will serve a total of eight years in prison, according to a statement by the Supreme Court.
The jail term covers three different cases for abuse of power and malfeasance, illegally ordering a state-run bank to issue a foreign loan, and illegally holding shares via nominees. Thaksin was taken to the Supreme Court earlier on Tuesday.
Reporting by Panarat Thepgumpanat and Panu Wongcha-um; Writing by Martin Petty
Srettha becomes Thailand's new prime minister
Breaking a political standstill that has lasted nearly 100 days, Pheu Thai Party prime ministerial candidate Srettha Thavisin succeeded in becoming Thailand's 30th prime minister.
Srettha was proposed by a Pheu Thai-led coalition, comprising 11 parties who together have a majority of seats in the lower house – 314 seats. The allocation of ministerial posts was made before today's PM election.
After assuming office, the Pheu Thai-led government pledged to put forward an agenda for amending the present Constitution in its first Cabinet meeting. It claims the 2017 charter is Thailand's current problem.
On the same day, former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra arrived in Thailand after spending 15 years living in self-exile.
Weekly COVID-19 Situation in Thailand 13 - 19 August 2023.
Number of confirmed infected cases admitted to hospitals 389 (56 per day on average),
Number of fatalities 9 (1 per day on average),
Cumulative infected cases (since 1 January 2023) 32,232,
Cumulative number of fatalities (since 1 January 2023) 784.
source: Department of Disease Control
