Thaksin Shinawatra: Who He Is and Why He Still Matters

If you’ve ever heard Thai news, you’ve probably come across the name Thaksin Shinawatra. He was Thailand’s prime minister from 2001 to 2006, and even after leaving office he remains a hot topic. People love him for his populist policies, but they also criticize him for corruption accusations. This mix of love‑hate makes his story worth a closer look.

What Made Thaksin So Popular?

Thaksin built his political brand on cheap broadband, micro‑loans for farmers, and health care that reached rural areas. Those moves gave many poor Thais a taste of modern services for the first time. In the early 2000s, his policies felt like a direct hit to everyday problems, and that helped him win a landslide election in 2001.

His background as a telecom billionaire also helped. He knew how to use media and a simple message to connect with voters. The result? A party called Thai Rak Thai that dominated parliament and pushed through reforms faster than any previous government.

Controversy, Coup, and Ongoing Influence

Success didn’t last. Critics pointed to accusations of abuse of power, media control, and shady business deals. The military stepped in with a coup in September 2006, ousting Thaksin and putting him in exile. Since then, he’s lived mostly in Dubai, but his family remains active in Thai politics. His sister Yingluck became prime minister in 2011, only to be removed by another court case.

Even from abroad, Thaksin still talks politics through social media and interviews. Supporters see him as a champion for the poor, while opponents view him as a symbol of elite corruption. The divide he created still fuels protests and elections, making him a key reference point whenever Thai politics are discussed.

For anyone trying to understand why Thailand’s political scene feels so polarized, knowing Thaksin’s story is a good start. His policies reshaped the economy, his downfall reshaped the power balance, and his legacy keeps influencing new leaders and voter attitudes. Whether you love him or hate him, Thaksin Shinawatra remains a central figure in the country’s modern history.