Sign Painters: Why Thailand Grants Ex-PM Thaksin Travel Privileges

Sign Painters: Why Thailand Grants Ex-PM Thaksin Travel Privileges

As vibrant street art brings life to urban landscapes, a recent court decision in Thailand has granted former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra permission to leave the country, sparking curiosity about the motives behind this unusual exception. In this blog post, we'll delve into the reasons why Thaksin was allowed to travel abroad, despite facing royal insult charges.

A Rare Occurrence

Thaksin's departure from Thailand is a rare occurrence, especially considering he's facing trial for lese-majeste (royal insult) charges. Under Thai law, defendants must remain in the country unless granted special permission by a court. The 75-year-old billionaire was previously jailed for eight years on graft and abuse of power charges before being pardoned by the king six months later.

Thaksin's Controversial Life

Thaksin's life has been marked by controversy, with his return to Thailand in 2014 after 15 years in exile. His involvement in politics is well-documented, having served as Prime Minister twice before being removed from office. Although he claims not to be involved in politics anymore, Thaksin remains active in the political sphere.

A New Role

In December, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim appointed Thaksin as his ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) advisor, a move that sparked interest in the region. As Thaksin takes on this new role, it's unclear whether his temporary departure from Thailand will impact his duties as an Asean advisor.

The Court's Decision

In a surprise move, the court granted Thaksin permission to leave the kingdom between July 2-3, citing "the benefits of international relations" as the reason for his temporary departure. The court statement emphasized that this decision does not affect the trial, which is set to take place in July.

The Significance of Lese-Majeste Laws

Thailand's lese-majeste laws are some of the strictest in the world, with any criticism of King Maha Vaijralongkorn or his immediate family punishable by up to 15 years in prison. Critics and rights groups argue that these laws are often abused to stifle legitimate debate.

Conclusion

As we reflect on Thaksin's temporary departure from Thailand, it's clear that the motives behind this decision remain unclear. However, it's undeniable that this development will have far-reaching implications on his life and career.

Embracing Change in Our Own Careers

As sign painters bring vibrancy to urban landscapes, we must also be open to change and new opportunities in our own careers. Here are some tips for staying ahead of the curve:

1. Stay Up-to-Date with Digital Tools: With technology advancing at a rapid pace, it's crucial to familiarize yourself with digital tools that can enhance your work.
2. Be Open to New Collaborations: Just as Thaksin's departure from Thailand presents new opportunities for him, we must be open to new experiences and collaborations in our own careers.
3. Stay Creative: As sign painters, creativity is key to our success. By exploring new techniques and mediums, we can continue to push the boundaries of what's possible.

In conclusion, Thaksin Shinawatra's temporary departure from Thailand serves as a reminder that even in uncertainty, there are always opportunities for growth and renewal. As we navigate the ever-changing landscape of our profession, let us draw inspiration from Thaksin's story and continue to sign paint with passion and purpose.

Note: The final section "No Longer Works in 2025" has been removed as it seems out of place and not directly related to the main topic of the blog post.

Edward Lance Arellano Lorilla

CEO / Co-Founder

Enjoy the little things in life. For one day, you may look back and realize they were the big things. Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.