Thaksin Shinawatra

$1.58 B

Ranked #2465 in World

About Thaksin Shinawatra

Thaksin Shinawatra, a prominent Thai businessman and politician, served as the Prime Minister of Thailand from 2001 to 2006. He founded various notable companies, including Advanced Info Service and Shin Corporation, and also established the Thai Rak Thai Party. Thaksin implemented several programs to combat poverty, improve healthcare, and boost infrastructure. However, his tenure was not without controversy, as he faced criticism for his approach to the war on drugs and allegations of corruption. Thaksin's political career came to an end when he was deposed in a military coup in 2006. After living in self-imposed exile for 15 years, he returned to Thailand in August 2023 and was taken into custody.

Thaksin Shinawatra's early life was shaped by his family's prominence and wealth, with his great-grandfather being an immigrant from China. He pursued a career in the Thai Police, ultimately attaining the rank of Police Lieutenant Colonel before resigning in 1987. Thaksin ventured into business and faced both successes and failures, with the creation of Advanced Info Service and Shin Corporation being notable achievements.

Thaksin's entry into politics began in the late 1990s when he founded the Thai Rak Thai Party. As Prime Minister, he implemented policies aimed at poverty reduction and infrastructure development. However, his government's tactics in the war on drugs and handling of the southern insurgency drew criticism. Thaksin's political career ended with the military coup of September 2006, leading to his self-imposed exile.

Thaksin's economic policies during his tenure as Prime Minister were aimed at benefiting the rural majority. His initiatives, such as microcredit development funds and the One Tambon One Product program, helped reduce poverty and stimulate economic growth. Despite these accomplishments, allegations of corruption and concerns about press freedom marred his reputation.

Thaksin's return to Thailand in 2023 was met with legal challenges, resulting in his arrest and subsequent imprisonment. Throughout his career, Thaksin faced numerous controversies, including allegations of tax evasion and policy corruption.

Born

July 26, 1949 in San Kamphaeng, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Age

76 years

Source Of Wealth

Investments

Industries

Finance & Investments

Citizenship

Thailand

Residence

Bangkok

Education

Master of Science, Eastern Kentucky University

Spouse

Potjaman Na Pombejra (Married: 1976; Divorced: 2008)

Children

Panthongtae Shinawatra, Pinthongtha Shinawatra, Paethongtarn Shinawatra

Thaksin Shinawatra was born on July 26, 1949, in San Kamphaeng, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand. He is the son of Loet Shinawatra, a politician and businessman, and Yindi Ramingwong, whose father was a Hakka immigrant from China. Thaksin grew up in San Kamphaeng until the age of 15, when he moved to Chiang Mai to study at Montfort College. He later helped run one of his father's cinemas at the age of 16.

Thaksin Shinawatra: Family

Thaksin Shinawatra is married to Potjaman Damapong, and they have three children together: Panthongtae, Pinthongtha, and Paethongtarn. His younger sister, Yingluck Shinawatra, also entered politics and served as Prime Minister of Thailand from 2011 to 2014.

Thaksin Shinawatra: Career Highlights

Thaksin Shinawatra's career highlights include serving as Prime Minister of Thailand from 2001 to 2006, founding Advanced Info Service (AIS) and Shin Corporation, and establishing the Thai Rak Thai Party (TRT). He is also known for his controversial policies, such as the "war on drugs" and the sale of Shin Corporation shares, which led to protests and accusations of corruption.

Thaksin Shinawatra: Companies

Thaksin Shinawatra founded several companies, including Advanced Info Service (AIS), Shin Corporation, and Shinawatra DataCom. He also acquired the ailing iTV television station from the Crown Property Bureau, Nation Multimedia Group, and Siam Commercial Bank in 2000.

Thaksin Shinawatra: Major Achievements

Thaksin Shinawatra's major achievements include reducing poverty in Thailand by half during his time as Prime Minister, introducing a universal healthcare program, and embarking on a massive program of infrastructure investment. He also helped Thailand recover from the 1997 Asian financial crisis and substantially reduce poverty.

Thaksin Shinawatra: Awards & Achievements

Thaksin Shinawatra has received various national and foreign honors and awards, including the Asean Business Man of the Year (1992), Honorary Doctor of Arts (Communication Arts) from Thammasart University, and the International Forgiveness Award 2004. He was also named one of the 50 most influential people in the world by Time magazine in 2005.

Thaksin Shinawatra: Personal Life & Legacy

Thaksin Shinawatra is known for his controversial policies and his self-imposed exile from Thailand for 15 years.

He returned to Thailand in August 2023 and was promptly taken into custody. He is currently serving an eight-year sentence for abuse of power.

Thaksin Shinawatra: Trivia

Thaksin Shinawatra registered a Clubhouse account under the name Tony Woodsome and frequently held activities on the platform. He also made announcements expressing his desire to return to Thailand on various social media platforms.

Wealth History

Timeline

1949

Thaksin Shinawatra was born in San Kamphaeng, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand.

1973

Thaksin joined the Royal Thai Police and graduated from the Thai Police Cadet Academy.

1975

Thaksin received a master's degree in criminal justice from Eastern Kentucky University.

1977

Thaksin was awarded a doctorate in criminal justice at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas.

1982

Thaksin established ICSI, a computer leasing company.

1986

Thaksin founded Advanced Info Service (AIS), which was given a monopoly contract by the military government.

1987

Thaksin resigned from the police and established Shinawatra Computer and Communications Group.

1990

Shinawatra Computer and Communications Group was listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand.

1994

Thaksin entered politics and was appointed Foreign Minister.

1996

Thaksin left the Palang Dharma party and founded the Thai Rak Thai (TRT) party.

2001

Thaksin became Prime Minister of Thailand after a historic election victory.

2003

Thaksin launched a campaign to rid the country of drugs, resulting in extrajudicial executions and human rights abuses.

2005

Thaksin was re-elected in a landslide victory but faced protests and accusations of a "parliamentary dictatorship".

2006

Thaksin was deposed in a military coup and went into self-imposed exile.

2008

Thaksin returned to Thailand but faced corruption charges and sought political asylum in the UK.

2010

Thaksin was found guilty of abuse of power and sentenced to two years in jail.

2013

Thaksin was granted a royal pardon and released from prison.

2023

Thaksin returned to Thailand after 15 years of self-imposed exile and was taken into custody.

Thaksin Shinawatra : FAQs

What is Thaksin Shinawatra's current net worth?

Thaksin Shinawatra's current net worth is $1.58 billion.

What is Thaksin Shinawatra's current global rank among billionaires?

Thaksin Shinawatra holds the 2465th position globally among billionaires.

What is Thaksin Shinawatra's current ranking within the Thailand?

Thaksin Shinawatra holds the 14th position in Thailand.

What was the change in Thaksin Shinawatra's net worth compared to the previous year?

Thaksin Shinawatra's net worth increased by 17.42 million dollars compared to the previous year 2025, when his net worth was 1.56 billion dollars.

What are Thaksin Shinawatra's main sources of wealth?

Thaksin Shinawatra's main source of income comes from Investments.

In which industry does Thaksin Shinawatra primarily operate?

Thaksin Shinawatra is primarily involved in the Finance & Investments industry.

What is Thaksin Shinawatra educational background?

Thaksin Shinawatra holds a Master of Science from Eastern Kentucky University.

How old is Thaksin Shinawatra?

Thaksin Shinawatra is 76 years old.

How many children does Thaksin Shinawatra have?

Thaksin Shinawatra has 3 children.

Who is Thaksin Shinawatra?

Thaksin Shinawatra is a Thai businessman and politician.

What was Thaksin Shinawatra's role in the Thai Police?

Thaksin Shinawatra served in the Thai Police from 1973 to 1987.

When was Thaksin Shinawatra the Prime Minister of Thailand?

Thaksin Shinawatra was the Prime Minister of Thailand from 2001 to 2006.

What are some of the companies Thaksin Shinawatra founded?

Thaksin Shinawatra founded Advanced Info Service, Shin Corporation, and Thai Rak Thai Party (TRT).

What were some of Thaksin Shinawatra's policies and controversies as prime minister?

Thaksin Shinawatra launched a 'war on drugs,' implemented programs to reduce poverty and expand infrastructure, but faced protests and accusations of corruption and abuse of power.