# Thaksin Shinawatra

> Prime Minister of Thailand form 2001 to 2006

**Wikidata**: [Q164373](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q164373)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thaksin_Shinawatra)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/thaksin-shinawatra

## Summary
Thaksin Shinawatra is a Thai businessman and politician who served as the Prime Minister of Thailand from 2001 to 2006. A prominent figure in modern Thai politics, he is known for his economic policies and founding the Thai Rak Thai Party. His leadership significantly influenced Thailand's political and economic landscape.

## Biography
- **Born**: July 26, 1949, in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
- **Nationality**: Thai
- **Education**: 
  - Armed Forces Academies Preparatory School
  - Eastern Kentucky University
  - Sam Houston State University
  - Takushoku University
- **Known for**: Serving as Prime Minister of Thailand (2001–2006) and founding the Thai Rak Thai Party
- **Employer(s)**: 
  - Thai Rak Thai Party (Founder)
  - Intouch Holdings (Founder)
  - Advanced Info Service (Founder)
  - Shinawatra University (Founder)
- **Field(s)**: Politics, Business, Telecommunications

## Contributions
- **Thai Rak Thai Party**: Founded in 1998, which won the 2001 general election, leading to his premiership.
- **Economic Policies**: Implemented the "Thaksinomics" agenda, focusing on poverty reduction and universal healthcare.
- **Business Ventures**: 
  - Founded Intouch Holdings (1983) and Advanced Info Service (1986), key players in Thailand's telecommunications sector.
  - Established Shinawatra University in 1996.

## FAQs
### Q: What were Thaksin Shinawatra's major political achievements?
A: Thaksin introduced universal healthcare, reduced poverty through microcredit programs, and promoted economic growth during his tenure as Prime Minister.

### Q: What companies did Thaksin Shinawatra found?
A: He founded Intouch Holdings (1983) and Advanced Info Service (1986), both pivotal in Thailand's telecommunications industry, and Shinawatra University (1996).

### Q: Why was Thaksin Shinawatra's premiership controversial?
A: His policies and governance style polarized Thai society, leading to significant political unrest and eventual ousting in a 2006 military coup.

### Q: What international recognition did Thaksin Shinawatra receive?
A: He was awarded honors such as the Royal Order of Sahametrei (Cambodia), Order of the Liberator (Venezuela), and Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland.

## Why They Matter
Thaksin Shinawatra reshaped Thailand's political and economic trajectory through his populist policies and business acumen. His leadership marked a shift in Thai governance, emphasizing direct engagement with rural populations and leveraging telecommunications to drive economic growth. The controversies surrounding his tenure highlight the complexities of his legacy, which continues to influence Thai politics and society.

## Notable For
- **First Elected Prime Minister to Complete a Full Term**: Served a full term from 2001 to 2005, a rarity in Thailand's history of political instability.
- **Founder of Major Telecommunications Companies**: Established Intouch Holdings and Advanced Info Service, shaping Thailand's telecom sector.
- **Populist Economic Reforms**: Introduced universal healthcare and microcredit programs targeting rural poverty.
- **International Honors**: Received awards from Cambodia, Venezuela, Poland, and the Philippines.
- **Founding of Shinawatra University**: Contributed to Thailand's education sector with the establishment of a private university.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Thaksin Shinawatra was born on July 26, 1949, in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand. His education spanned military and international institutions, including the Armed Forces Academies Preparatory School, Eastern Kentucky University, Sam Houston State University, and Takushoku University.

### Political Career
- **Founding of Thai Rak Thai Party (1998)**: This party's victory in the 2001 election propelled Thaksin to the premiership, where he implemented populist economic policies.
- **Premiership (2001–2006)**: His tenure focused on "Thaksinomics," emphasizing poverty alleviation and healthcare access. Controversies, including accusations of corruption and authoritarianism, led to widespread protests and his eventual ousting in a 2006 military coup.

### Business Ventures
- **Telecommunications Empire**: As founder of Intouch Holdings (1983) and Advanced Info Service (1986), Thaksin dominated Thailand's telecom sector, leveraging technology to drive economic growth.
- **Shinawatra University (1996)**: This institution reflects his influence in education, though it also faced scrutiny due to political affiliations.

### Legacy and Impact
Thaksin's policies reduced poverty rates and expanded healthcare access, yet his governance style and business dealings sparked enduring political divisions. His legacy remains contentious, symbolizing both progressive reform and political polarization in Thailand. The 2006 coup and subsequent legal actions against him underscore the volatility of his impact on Thai democracy and institutions.

## References

1. International Standard Name Identifier
2. Virtual International Authority File
3. CiNii Research
4. [Source](https://www.ablf.com/network)
5. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
6. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
7. Munzinger Personen
8. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
9. [Source](https://www.bbc.com/thai/thailand-56153490)
10. IdRef
11. [Source](https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2007/jul/11/football.comment)
12. BBC Things
13. Quora