Thaksin Shinawatra

Thaksin Shinawatra is a prominent Thai businessman and politician who served as the Prime Minister of Thailand from 2001 to 2006. Born on July 26, 1949, Thaksin made significant strides in both the telecom industry and Thai politics. He founded the Thai Rak Thai (TRT) party, which won a landslide victory in the 2001 elections. His tenure was marked by policies aimed at reducing rural poverty and stimulating the economy, but also by controversies and allegations of corruption. Overthrown by a military coup in 2006, Thaksin has lived in self-imposed exile for most of the years since. Despite his absence, he continues to wield significant influence in Thai politics through his loyal supporters and political networks.