Thailand: Ex-Prime Minister Jailed After Exile Return

Facts

After 15 years in self-imposed exile, Thailand's former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra returned to the country on a private jet at Bangkok's Don Muang airport on Tuesday morning before being sent to jail to serve an eight-year prison sentence.¹
Shinawatra, accused by the military of corruption and disloyalty to the monarchy, was swiftly taken to the Supreme Court, where he was charged with alleged politically motivated criminal offenses.²
The sentencing covers three convictions in absentia for abuse of power and misconduct, illegally ordering a state-run bank to issue a foreign loan, and illicitly holding shares via nominees.³
The 74-year-old is expected to undergo a 10-day quarantine at the Bangkok Remand Prison, where he would reportedly be able to submit a royal pardon petition.⁴
Shinawatra's return was met with great fanfare and came just hours before his Pheu Thai party secured victory in parliament with real estate mogul Srettha Thavisin becoming prime minister. Some speculate the allied government could shorten Shinawatra's sentence.⁵
Shinawatra — Thailand's first prime minister to complete a full term in office — was ousted in a military coup in 2006 while preparing to address the UN in New York. He was accused of severe human rights abuses and a deadly war on drugs.⁶

Narrative A, as provided by The New York Times. Thailand has been beset by political turmoil, with pro-democracy and pro-establishment leaders being stuck in a cycle of elections and coups for nearly two decades. Despite this, Shinawatra's political dynasty remains intact. Ultimately, his return will end army conscription, break up monopolies, and allow the country to amend a controversial law that criminalizes any criticism of the monarchy.
Narrative B, as provided by The Guardian. Shinawatra is accused of corruption, nepotism, and a lack of respect for the rule of law. There's evidence he used his political power for his personal interests. Moreover, his Pheu Thai party is populist and anti-military. Shinawatra is one of the most divisive figures in the country's history and shouldn't be allowed to return to Thailand's diverse political landscape.
Narrative C, as provided by Khaosod English. The fact that Shinawatra's party has struck a political deal with ex-military rivals to pardon him and cobble together a new government shows that the future of Thailand's democracy is in doubt. Two opposite forces trying to break a political deadlock by redrawing coalitions will destabilize Thailand further.