Former Thai PM Thaksin Leaves Country Amid Legal, Political Crisis

Thailand's former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra abruptly left the country just days before a court ruling that could have led to a new prison sentence, marking a significant turning point in his political influence. This departure followed the ousting of his daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, from the premiership by the Constitutional Court due to an ethics violation linked to a leaked phone call, which also led to a coalition partner withdrawing support and forming a new government. Thaksin's political dynasty, which has dominated Thai politics for over two decades, is widely seen as being in decline amid escalating legal challenges, internal party defections, and mounting political infighting. Observers note that the Shinawatra family has been effectively sidelined after six premiers connected to them were removed by courts or coups, and with the ruling Pheu Thai party struggling to maintain power. The political upheaval has triggered deal-making among rival factions and a potential snap election, reflecting the deep instability and a possible end to Thaksin's populist vote-winning machine. Despite his exit and controversies, Thaksin remains a key figure in Thailand's political narrative, symbolizing both the transformative and tumultuous aspects of the country's recent history.