Thaksin Shinawatra

Thaksin Shinawatra is a former Prime Minister of Thailand. Although currently jailed, his political influence remains significant through the Pheu Thai party. He is newsworthy because Pheu Thai is set to be part of a coalition government following the recent general election. The Bhumjaithai Party, led by caretaker Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, secured a surprising election victory and has agreed to form a coalition with Pheu Thai. This development is significant because it highlights the continued relevance of Thaksin's political network despite his imprisonment and the conservative Bhumjaithai party's pro-military and pro-monarchy stance. The election itself was seen as a test of Thailand's political stability after years of coups, protests, and court interventions.