In 2006 Thaksin Shinawatra was ousted as prime minister in a military coup. I was in Bangkok at the time, but it was only when I returned to England a few days later that I heard the news. Such is Thai politics that its understated drama completely underwhelms the population.
Thaksin is (was) a tycoon businessman who made his fortune in the growth of Thai telecommunications. He started his political career by forming the Thai Rak Thai (Thai loves Thai) party in 1998 and quickly gained the support of the nation's agricultural poor by introducing improved medical care, debt relief and denouncing Thailand's upper classes from a nationalist platform. Thailand's economy improved with a style became known as Thaksinomics and after years in the doldrums the Thai economy began emerging.
On the other hand his handling of the crack down on drugs in which 2,500 people are believed to have died and accusations of corruption in his government began created a new level of uneasiness and tension about his tactics.
The sale of shares in the Thaksin family telecoms business lead to a snap election in 2006. The sale proceeds were $1.9 billion, avoided taxation and passed a national asset to Singaporean control. Some argue this was a shrewed business move, but politically it made many more enemies for Thaksin.
After the military gained control, Thaksin started his life in exile but his influence over Thai politics has not wained. He faces prison in Thailand after being found guilty of corruption, but has found refuge in Dubai from where he regularly transmits live video links to political rallies held by his 'red shirt' supporters.
His support is now with the Pheu Thai party which is led by his 44 year old sister Yingluck Sinawatra.
Yesterday she became Thailand's first female prime minister and the fifth since Thaksin was ousted in 2006.
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