Former Thai leader Thaksin goes to jail as political party linked to him wins vote to take power

Thailand’s divisive former prime minister made a dramatic return home yesterday to face an eight-year prison term, just as a party linked to him won a vote in Parliament to lead to the country — the latest turn in nation’s tumultuous politics.

The move by Thaksin Shinawatra indicates he is hoping that a friendly government will be able to cut short his sentence, although he has said his decision to come back had nothing to do with the Pheu Thai party’s bid for power.

Thaksin’s return after 15 years in self-imposed exile was an emotional moment for supporters of the 74-year-old billionaire, who won the loyalty of millions with populist policies that directed attention and funding to the country’s largely rural, impoverished north before being removed in a coup.

His reemergence recalls the years of pitched battles — both figurative and sometimes literal — between his “red shirt” supporters and “yellow shirt” opponents who champion conservative, royalist values.

Hundreds of people gathered outside of the airport early in the morning, donning red clothes and holding signs with welcoming messages, then raised a raucous cheer when Thaksin appeared at the terminal’s door.