国际英语新闻:Thai Opposition Wins Election

Thaksin critics say he was corrupt, authoritarian, and disloyal to Thailand’s revered monarchy.  He denies all the charges and in 2008 fled into exile to avoid a jail sentence for corruption.

Nonetheless, in the past four general elections Thailand voted overwhelmingly for Thaksin or parties aligned with him.

But controversial court orders dissolved those governments for election fraud and banned their leaders from office for five years.

Speaking on national television from Pheu Thai headquarters, Yingluck vowed to fulfill all her campaign promises and not to disappoint the people.

She says a lot of difficult missions are ahead.  For example, she says, solving people’s problems making a living, the economy, and leading the country to unity and reconciliation.  She says they must also develop Thailand and move the country forward.

But that may be easier said than done, especially if the amnesty goes ahead and Thaksin is allowed to return to Thailand.

He is a divisive figure, both hated and feared by Bangkok elites.

Since the 2006 coup, Thailand has seen sporadic street protests and violence in a power struggle between his rural and working class supporters and Bangkok’s traditional rulers and the military.

Yellow Shirt protesters claiming to protect the monarchy pressured Thaksin-aligned governments in 2008 by surrounding parliament and then taking over Bangkok’s airports.

Last year, clashes between soldiers and armed elements among Thaksin’s Red Shirt protesters left 90 people dead, most of them civilians.

Observers worry the election victory by Thaksin’s sister could lead to further demonstrations by Yellow Shirts or perhaps another military coup.  Thailand’s army chief repeatedly said before the election that there would be no more coups.

Thailand has had 18 coups or attempted coups since becoming a constitutional monarchy in 1932.