Thai PM self-made man who shrugs off critics
AFP, April, 2006
 | Content provided in partnership with |  |
BANGKOK (AFP) — Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, whose CEO-style approach to governing the nation has sharply divided public opinion, is a self-made man who sniffs at critics urging him to resign.
The 56-year-old, a dollar billionaire and one of the wealthiest men in Thailand, has built his political success on support from the nation's poor, highlighting his own rags-to-riches story.
Opponents despise the former policeman for some of his autocratic tactics, but supporters admire the charismatic politician for his get-tough governance and economic stewardship.
- Most Popular Articles in News
- The Ten Best Laptop bags
- Tata plans cheapest-ever car for Indian market
- GLOBALIZATION AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF UNDERDEVELOPMENT OF THE THIRD WORLD
- Corn is good for you; Corn is not only a tasty treat, but also a cereal that ...
- THE 50 BEST STYLISH HANDBAGS TO CARRY
- More »
His great-grandfather was a poor Chinese immigrant who made a fortune as a private gambling tax collector, and by the time Thaksin was born on July 26, 1949, his family was one of the most prominent in northern Chiang Mai province.
But his father suffered a slump in fortunes and Thaksin began school while helping him ...
