Thaksin Casts His Vote in Bangkok After 20 Years

Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra cast his first vote in Thailand in around 20 years on Sunday 28 June 2026, marking a symbolic return to the ballot box during the Bangkok governor and Bangkok Metropolitan Council (BMC) elections. His appearance, alongside former prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and other members of the Shinawatra family, drew national attention and added political significance to what was otherwise a local election.

Get today's headlines by email

Thaksin voted at polling station No. 14 in Bang Phlat subdistrict, Bang Phlat district, near Charan Sanitwong 69. Speaking afterwards, he said he felt “excited, happy and proud to be Thai”, joking that he had not voted for so long that he was unsure of the process and was careful not to do anything that might breach the constitution.

He described voting as a civic duty and encouraged people to exercise their democratic rights. Thaksin said those who chose not to vote could not later complain if elected representatives performed poorly, adding that voters always had the opportunity to choose new representatives at the end of a term.

The former premier recalled that the last time he voted was while serving as prime minister before the 2006 military coup. Referring to the April 2006 general election, which was later ruled unconstitutional because of the ballot arrangement, he said it was the last election in which he voted before his lengthy absence from Thailand’s electoral process.

Asked what qualities Bangkok’s next governor should possess, Thaksin said the capital required a capable and dedicated leader able to improve infrastructure and tackle persistent traffic problems despite budget limitations. He said a governor who lacked commitment could not simply “drift along”.

Meanwhile, Paetongtarn Shinawatra voted at polling station No. 15 at Kheha Thani 3 housing estate in Ram Inthra subdistrict, Khan Na Yao district. She was accompanied by her mother, Khunying Potjaman Damapong, her elder sister Pinthongtha Shinawatra Kunakornwong, her husband Pitaka Suksawat and their two children. The family greeted supporters before voting in an orderly manner.

The Nation reported that the visibility of both Thaksin and Paetongtarn turned the Bangkok election into a wider political moment, reflecting the Shinawatra family’s continuing prominence in Thai politics. Thaksin maintained that his appearance was simply to fulfil his duty as a citizen rather than to make a political statement.

Picture courtesy of The Nation

Join the discussion?

Already a member?

Adapted by ASEAN Now Nation 29 June 2026

View full article