Once a dashing entrepreneur and “hero” to the masses, Thailand’s former prime minister, Thaksin Shinawatra, liked to buy expensive homes. Yet he may become the world’s wealthiest homeless guy.

In November, Britain revoked visas for Thaksin and his then wife Pojaman so they couldn’t return there, where they’d lived since fleeing from Thai justice. The British forbid airlines to carry the unwanted pair, believed to be traveling in Asia, on UK-bound flights. There’s a nasty suspicion that the fugitives may linger in Hong Kong. Thaksin’s presence would darken the already dusky reputation of that politically shackled city.

Essentially, Thaksin’s on the run, unwelcome in many nations. The Supreme Court in Bangkok has convicted him of corruption for self-enrichment by using his political clout when in office to help his wife to acquire bargain land from a state agency. The court handed down a two-year jail sentence.

After taking power in 2001, Thaksin inspired some followers who praised his business skills, even as opponents slammed him for corruption. In 2006, big street demonstrations triggered a military coup that deposed him. He fled to Britain and even bought the Manchester City football team (later sold). Despite the corruption charges, he briefly went home after Thai elections last year installed a government sympathetic to him.

Many people refused to forgive, and the court actions continued. Anti-Thaksin protestors in yellow shirts hit the streets and occupied strategic places at government buildings. In retaliation, red-shirted Thaksin supporters often marched too.

Last week, the yellow shirts entered Bangkok’s two airports, forcing the shutdown of air traffic. That’s a masterful protest strategy from which street protesters elsewhere should learn much.

Fearful, the Thaksins had fled. The former PM called the corruption charges “politically motivated”. Even the Thai government, now led by his brother-in-law Somchai Wongsawat, dared not intervene. Meanwhile, Somchai has taken refuge in the northern city of Chiang Mai. Evidently, courage isn’t his strong point.

Sadly, corruption’s so deeply entrenched in Thailand that it’s part of the lifestyle. In such a corrupt place, Thaksin temporarily prospered.

Speaking by telephone to thousands of “red shirts” gathered at a sports stadium, Thaksin recently pledged that “people power” may lure him back. Great idea! Unlike in the UK, his travel documents will work. There’s accommodation too. His jail cell waits.

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