On a sunlit Sunday, with the gentle hum of Bangkok life in the background, Thaksin Shinawatra found solace and relaxation outside his residence nestled in the quietude of Charan Sanitwong Soi 69, Bang Phlat district. This moment of tranquility came shortly after his departure from the confines of Police General Hospital, sparking a buzz across social media platforms as glimpses of his return home were shared widely, notably on @Ingshin21’s Instagram.
This coming Wednesday heralds a significant reunion as Thaksin prepares to host Hun Sen, the formidable former prime minister of Cambodia. This isn’t just any visit between political figures; it’s a meeting rooted in a profound and enduring friendship that has weathered the tumultuous landscapes of Southeast Asian politics. Hun Sen, known for his charismatic and steadfast leadership, is making the journey across borders driven by a personal concern for Thaksin’s health, illustrating the depth of their bond beyond the political sphere.
Thaksin’s journey back to his home marks the beginning of his parole period, following the commutation of his sentence. Initially facing eight years, his sentence was dramatically reduced to one year, from which he has served half, thanks to a royal pardon. This pardon comes in light of charges including conflict of interest and abuse of power predating 2006, stirring a complex mixture of opinions and sentiments towards the former premier.
The air has been rife with speculation about Thaksin’s health since his release from hospital care, where he was treated for a mysterious array of conditions, details of which remained shrouded in confidentiality safeguarded by corrections officials and healthcare providers alike. However, a ray of clarity emerged as Paetongtarn, Thaksin’s daughter and a leading figure of the Pheu Thai Party founded by Thaksin, revealed insights into her father’s health conditions during a meeting with party members.
Visuals of Thaksin donning a neck brace and sling raised eyebrows and questions alike. Were these mere props or signs of a deeper health narrative? Pheu Thai’s spokesperson, Danuporn Punnakanta, echoed Paetongtarn’s explanation to assure the public of the underlying medical reasons. According to her, the neck brace is a countermeasure against cervical spondylosis—a degenerative condition not uncommon in the aging population—while the sling aids in the recovery from tendonitis. Thaksin’s stint in the hospital included surgery to mend a frayed tendon, a procedure whose healing was hampered by restricted movement.
But Thaksin’s battle with health woes extends beyond these conditions. Having faced the brunt of COVID-19 not once, but three times, he’s presently navigating the lingering aftermath known as “long COVID”, a testament to the virus’s unforgiving nature. Yet, amidst these health hurdles, Thaksin remains steadfast in his aspirations to regain strength, aiming to lend his wisdom and advisory prowess back to the political realm, as echoed by local media.
Commentary: Thaksin’s return to the political fringes through his release does more than just stir speculation regarding his health; it unravels layers of political, societal, and personal narratives, challenging the notion of unity in a nation marked by its diversity of thought and allegiance. His story is not just a political saga; it’s a testament to human resilience, the complexities of governance and friendship, and the indomitable will to rise amidst adversity.
