Former Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, who has been on the run for years after being charged with dereliction of duty, has finally been acquitted by a court. The verdict sent shockwaves through Thailand and cheered Yingluck's supporters. Some analysts believe that Yingluck may return to Thailand next year to restart her political career.
According to Thailand's "Bangkok Post" on December 27**, Thailand's Supreme Court announced on the 26th that Yingluck did not neglect her duties or abuse her power in the rice purchase project that was ousted in 2014, so it dropped all charges against her and canceled the arrest warrant for her. This means that Yingluck is free to return to Thailand without worrying about ** or being sentenced.
Yingluck posted a photo of her in London on social media, thanking her supporters and team of lawyers, saying she was pleased with the court's decision and confident about Thailand's future. She said she had been following the situation in Thailand and hoped that Thailand would achieve democracy, peace and prosperity.
Yingluck Shinawatra is the sister of former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who was also ousted and exiled on charges of abuse of power. Both Thaksin Shinawatra and Yingluck Shinawatra are leaders of Thailand's opposition "Red Shirts," whose policies have been welcomed by farmers and the poor, but have also drawn opposition from conservatives and the military. Their supporters and opponents have repeatedly clashed in the streets, leading to political turmoil in Thailand.
In August this year, Thaksin returned to Thailand from the United Arab Emirates after receiving a pardon from the Thai royal family, where he was warmly welcomed by tens of thousands of "red shirts". Thaksin said he would no longer be involved in politics but would support his sister Yingluck. Some analysts believe that Thaksin's return is to pave the way for Yingluck's return and prepare for next year's **.
Gyabhumong Upachaya, the leader of Thailand's opposition "Red Shirts", said he believed Yingluck would return to Thailand next year and return. He said Yingluck was the soul of the "Red Shirts" and that her return would bring new hope to Thailand. He also said that he had made contact with Yingluck and that she was happy and grateful for the support of the people.
However, not everyone is satisfied with Yingluck's acquittal. Former Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha was the one who staged a military coup in 2014 and overthrew Yingluck**. He told reporters that he regretted the court's decision and that he believed Yingluck was responsible for her mistakes. He also said he did not know if Yingluck would return to Thailand, but he hoped she would stop messing with Thailand's politics.
Thailand is currently governed by Prayut-cha's National Democratic Forces party, which gained a slim majority in 2019. However, the party's ruling has been met with strong opposition from Thailand's pro-democracy movement, which has demanded that Prayut Chan-o-cha change the constitution and reduce the influence of the military and the royal family. Anuya Saichana, the leader of the Thai democracy movement, said he was pleased with Yingluck's acquittal, but he also called on Yingluck and Thaksin to stop interfering in Thai politics and instead support the pro-democracy movement's demands.
Documenting My Romantic Life Thai political analyst Tirawa Asawarak said Yingluck's acquittal was an important turning point in Thai politics, showing the independence and impartiality of the Thai judiciary and bringing new opportunities to Thailand's democratic process. He said Yingluck's return will have a significant impact on Thailand's political landscape, with the potential to become a leader of the Thai opposition and a mediator for Thailand, promoting reconciliation and stability in Thailand.