The former prime minister of Thailand, Shinawatra assumed office between 9 February 2001 and 19 September 2006. He established the most successful mobile phone operating company in Thailand, called Advanced Info Service. In 1998, he set up the Thai Rak Thai (TRT) political party.
In 2006, he was overthrown in a military coup. The Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions of the Supreme Court convicted Shinawatra for using his political power to enable his wife to buy public land at an auction. As a result, he was imprisoned for 2 years.
Currently, Shinawatra is in a self-imposed exile from Thailand. If he chooses to return, he will have several criminal charges leveled at him.
Thaksin Shinawatra Family Tree
Let us look at the family tree of the famous Shinawatra family.
Thaksin Shinawatra Parents – Lert Shinawatra and Yindee Ramingwong
Shinawatra’s father stepped into politics in 1968 and was elected as an MP for Chiang Mai and deputy head of Liberal Party, which has now disbanded. He quit all political activity in 1976 and started a coffee shop. He also cultivated oranges and flowers in San Kamphaeng district. In addition, he started movie theaters, gas stations, and automobile dealerships.
Yindee, Shinawatra’s mother, was the daughter of Wang Chuan Cheng, a Hakka immigrant. Her mother was Princess Jantip na Chiangmai, a less important member of the Lanna royal family.
Thaksin Shinawatra Siblings
Yingluck Shinawatra
Born – 21 June, 1967
Married – Anusorn Amornchat
Yingluck assumed the position of Prime Minister of Thailand between 5 August 2011 and 7 May 2014. She earned a BA from Chiang Mai University in 1988 and a MPA degree from Kentucky State University in 1991.
Yaowapha Wongsawat
Born – Unknown
Married – Somchai Wongsawat
Yaowapha was an MP of Thai Rak Thai political party led by Shinawatra. The Constitutional Tribunal banned her and 110 members of the party from politics due to their flouting of election laws.
Thaksin Shinawatra Spouse – Potjaman Na Pombejra (Ex)
Khunying Potjaman Na Pombejra
Born – 22 November, 1956
In the 1980s, she played a major role in developing the commercial activities of Thaksin. She was married to Shinawatra between 1980 and 2008.
Thaksin Shinawatra Children
Panthongtae Shinawatra
Born – 2 December, 1979
Married – Unknown
The only son of Shinawatra, he became a billionaire after receiving his father’s stock in Shin Corporation.
Pintongtha Kunakornwong
Born – 17 April, 1982
Married – Nattapong Kunakornwong (m. 2012)
Pintongtha is a businesswoman.
Peathongtarn Shinawatra
Born – Unknown
Married – Unknown
Peathongtarn is the youngest daughter of Shinawatra.
Thaksin Shinawatra Net Worth
As of June 2014, Shinawatra and his family have been estimated to be worth US$ 1.7 billion. He has made his wealth primarily from investments. He is the 6th richest person in Thailand. He ranks #10 on Thailand’s 50 Richest Persons list. In the billionaires of the world list, he is ranked at #1092.