POLITICAL DEAL?
The return of Thailand’s most famous politician and Srettha’s surprisingly smooth ascent to the top job will add to speculation that the influential Thaksin had struck a deal with his enemies in the military and establishment for his safe return and possibly, an early release from jail.
Thaksin and Pheu Thai have rejected that.
Tuesday’s events were the latest twist in a nearly two-decade power struggle between the Shinawatra family and its business allies, and a nexus of royalists, generals and old money families that have long wielded influence over politics and the economy.
As he emerged from the airport wearing a black suit, red tie and yellow lapel pin bearing the royal insignia, Thaksin clasped his hands in a traditional “wai” greeting to the crowd before kneeling and bowing in respect in front of a portrait of the king and queen.
Thaksin is still loved and loathed in equal measure in Thailand and his return overshadowed the vote for prime minister, with related hashtags top-trending on social media and the country gripped by blow-by-blow media coverage of his celebrated arrival and his prompt imprisonment.
Hundreds of red-shirted supporters carrying banners gathered at the airport, the court and outside the prison to greet him, many chanting “PM Thaksin”.
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