From the above discovery, it can be seen that the political leadership of Thailand has once again changed when the country’s former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra was given a royal pardon. Such a turn of events has raised a lot of dust across the nation and everyone is in a hurry to analyze it.
A Complex Legacy
The essential actor in Thailand’s politics since a generation, Thaksin Shinawatra has been loved by some and despised by others. As the head of state PM from 2001-2006, Musharraf made progressive changes in the economy, society and took a very populist step that made him famous among the rustic Pakistanis. However, his rule was also characterised by corrupt practices, nepotism and autocratic actions.
A Royal Pardon
Royal pardon which has recently been given by the king, Maha Vajiralongkorn, means in practice that Thaksin will not serve two years imprisonment for corruption. This step has been perceived by many as a way of trying to de-politicize the society and encourage national healing. Because of his granting of clemency the monarch has shown that he is ready to begin the process of uniting a divided nation.
Implications and Reactions
Thai society has responded to the royal pardon ambiguously. The supporters saw it as a triumph of democracy and justice for Thaksin although those against the coup was equally furious over the situation. The opposition has also dismissed the move as politically motivated exercise in aiming at resurrecting Thaksin.
A New Chapter?
This is vivid especially now that Thaksin is back in politics as ever and people get to wonder his next move. Will it try to get his job back again or will it content with working in the background? Of one thing though, the legacy of his continued presence in Thailand’s political development is sure to remain set.
Conclusion:
The latest show of the granting of the royal clemency to Thaksin Shinawatra however must be considered as a major turning point in the Thai political experience. It is in this way that Thailand will forge not only its new form of politics in the world today, but a polity surviving off the traditional values of the country, the will of the people and the struggle for power.
