Thaksin Shinawatra is a Thai businessman and politician who served as the Prime Minister of Thailand from 2001 until 2006. He founded the Thai Rak Thai Party and implemented various policies aimed at improving healthcare and reducing poverty. His leadership was marked by significant economic growth, but also by controversies regarding corruption and human rights. In 2006, Thaksin was ousted in a military coup while he was attending a conference abroad. Following his removal, he faced legal challenges and was convicted in absentia for corruption. Thaksin has remained a polarizing figure in Thai politics, with ongoing debates about his influence and legacy.