Early Life and Career
Thaksin Shinawatra was born in San Kamphaeng, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand, on July 26, 1949. He is of Chinese Hakka descent. His father, Loet Shinawatra, was a member of parliament. Thaksin received his early education at Montfort College in Chiang Mai. He pursued higher education in the United States, earning a master's degree in criminal justice from Eastern Kentucky University in 1975 and a doctorate in the same field from Sam Houston State University in 1978. He began his career in the Royal Thai Police, rising to the rank of Police Lieutenant Colonel before resigning in 1987.
Rise to Success in Business
After leaving the police force, Thaksin ventured into the business world. He founded Advanced Info Service (AIS) in 1986, a mobile phone operator, and Shinawatra Satellite (now Thaicom) in 1990. These ventures were highly successful, making him one of the richest people in Thailand. He built his fortune through investments in telecommunications and media, creating a large conglomerate known as Shin Corporation.
Entry into Politics and Premiership
Thaksin entered politics in 1994, serving as Foreign Minister. He founded the Thai Rak Thai Party (TRT) in 1998. In 2001, the TRT won a landslide election, and Thaksin became Prime Minister, the first to serve a full term in Thailand. His policies, known as 'Thaksinomics,' aimed at reducing poverty, providing affordable healthcare, and boosting infrastructure.
Key Business Strategies and Policies
As Prime Minister, Thaksin focused on implementing populist policies to benefit the rural majority. He initiated programs like microcredit development funds and the One Tambon One Product program to stimulate economic growth. Thaksin also aimed to make Thailand a regional leader by promoting economic, technological, and infrastructure development.
Controversies and Political Ousting
Thaksin's tenure was marked by controversies, including allegations of corruption, abuse of power, and concerns about press freedom. He faced criticism for his 'war on drugs', and the sale of his family's Shin Corporation to Temasek Holdings in 2006 sparked controversy. In September 2006, he was ousted in a military coup while overseas. He spent years in self-imposed exile before returning to Thailand in 2023.
Recent Events
Upon his return, Thaksin was taken into custody and later received a reduced prison sentence due to a royal pardon. However, in September 2025, the Supreme Court ordered him to serve one year in jail. His daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, was Prime Minister in 2024 and was later dismissed by the Constitutional Court. Thaksin continues to be a significant figure in Thai politics, exerting influence even from behind the scenes.