Thaksin

by Pasuk Phongpaichit, Chris Baker

In the early 1990s, Thaksin Shinawatra came from nowhere to become a multi-billionaire in just four years. -In 2001, he was elected prime minister on a single-minded promise to accelerate Thailand to first-world status through unrestrained capitalist growth. In 2009, over video link from exile in Dubai, he urged thousands of red-shirted supporters to revolution, provoking days of street fighting and the biggest-ever domestic operation by the Thai army.--Thaksin's tenure gave new meaning to the role of prime minister and transformed Thai politics. It is an extraordinary story involving four landslide elections, a military coup, a demonstration lasting half a year, the popular mobilization of people in color-coded street armies, the occupation of Bangkok's international airport, assassination plots, and the flight of Asian leaders from a regional meeting by helicopter.--The first edition of this book was published in 2004, and the original chapters remain unchanged. In the expanded second edition, four new chapters and a conclusion trace in detail the protracted story of Thaksin's downfall.--Pasuk Phongpaichit is professor of economics at Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok. --Chris Baker is an independent writer.-

424 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2009

About the author

Pasuk Phongpaichit (Thai:ผาสุก พงษ์ไพจิตร) is professor in the Faculty of Economics, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok.

Reviews

[Pandit · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bio of an incredible Thai man. Perhaps not so relevant if you are not connected to Thailand in any way.
Thaksin's political hold over Thailand is quite a story. He has many traits of the psychopath - unflappable cool demeanor, accomplished liar, manipulator, gambler, thrill seeker ...
He took his turn as the head of government, and manipulated the laws of the land to benefit his business empire. He also created genuinely revolutionary policies, that benefited not just the wealthy, but the poor of the land. When it came for his turn to end, and the elites to switch to a new leader, he refused to go. He turned to the poor for electoral votes, bypassing the gaming elites. Thus Thailand divided into two colour coded camps.
The story is ongoing, long after the book ends. The detail is simply splendid.

[Brian Wadman · Rating 4 out of 5]

A must read for any expat living in Thailand who wants to get a handle on what is happening with the political situation in the country. A bit overwhelming with the names, comprehensive details - might even be worth a second read, but for now I've got enough understanding to make some judgements.

[Mark Moran · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thorough investigation into who Thaksin is and how he came to be. Wonderful book.