Billionaire Thaksin Shinawatra and his family have dominated Thai elections for much of the past two decades. Read more at straitstimes.com.
2. How did the Shinawatras make their fortune?
His head start in the computer business and his political connections allowed him to snap up government concessions to operate paging and mobile phone services, cable TV subscriptions, data networks, card phones and satellites. Pheu Thai’s Srettha Thavisin and Paetongtarn Shinawatra attend a rally ahead of the election, in Bangkok, on May 12, 2023. PHOTO: REUTERS3. Why does the Thai establishment dislike the Shinawatras?
While many wealthier, well-educated and city-dwelling Thais accused Thaksin of cronyism, reckless populism and corruption, he enjoyed wide support among poorer and working-class voters in the country’s north and northeast who made up the majority of the Thai electorate and benefited from his big-ticket economic programmes that came to be known as “Thaksinomics”.
The loyalty this inspired among less affluent voters helped political parties linked to Thaksin to win the most parliamentary seats in four successive elections between 2001 and 2019, only for them to be dissolved by the constitutional court or removed from power by force.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
‘Not just about receiving a salary’: Why some adults in China have become ‘full-time’ childrenOne in five youths in Chinese cities is unemployed, and the situation could worsen before it improves. The programme Money Mind finds out why some young people cannot find jobs, and the unconventional choices some have made.
Read more »
CNA Explains: What is altitude sickness, and why it can be deadlyWhat steps can you take to lower the risk of developing high altitude sickness and what symptoms should you look out for?
Read more »
CNA Explains: What is money laundering and why does it involve luxury cars, watches and bags?Ten foreigners were arrested after police conducted simultaneous raids across Singapore in one of its largest anti-money laundering operations.
Read more »
Why and how often should you change and wash your bed sheets and pillowcases?Some change their bed linen every two weeks, others do it every month. What do the experts recommend to improve your allergies and skin issues?
Read more »
Earplugs at concerts and spin classes? Here’s why model Hannah Cheng-Bradshaw has started wearing themGear up for concert season with this important essential you never knew you needed.
Read more »
Explainer: Why is China's youth unemployment rate at a record high and what are the implications for the region?SINGAPORE — China's unemployment rate for youths aged 16 to 24 in urban areas hit a high of 21.3 per cent in June, after rising for every month this year.
Read more »