Thailand is facing a challenging task of appointing a new prime minister, and amidst this political uncertainty, billionaire populist Thaksin Shinawatra has announced his plans to return to the country after years of self-imposed exile.

His daughter, Paetongtarn, confirmed the planned return on Thaksin's 74th birthday in a Facebook post. Thaksin's return comes at a politically sensitive time as the Pheu Thai party, which is considered as the main vehicle for his political interests, is striving to secure enough support in Parliament to have one of its leaders appointed as the next prime minister.

Earlier this month, the nominee from the progressive Move Forward Party, which emerged as the top finisher in the May election, was blocked from becoming the prime minister due to opposition from the conservative appointed Senate. The delay in appointing a new prime minister is linked to concerns among royalists.

Pita Limjaroenrat, the leader of the Move Forward Party, fell short of the required votes largely due to objections from senators over his party's call for the reform of the law that criminalizes defamation of Thailand's royal family.

The Senate, appointed by the military government, sees itself as a protector of traditional conservative royalist values. Thaksin, who made his fortune in the telecommunications sector, was elected prime minister in 2001 and 2005 but was ousted by a military coup in 2006.

He faced accusations of corruption, abuse of power, and disrespect towards the monarchy. Fleeing into exile in 2008, Thaksin still faces the possibility of imprisonment upon his return. His sister, Yingluck Shinawatra, who also served as prime minister, was also ousted in a military coup in 2014 and faced criminal charges before fleeing the country.

Thaksin's return has been delayed multiple times due to concerns of unfair treatment from the government, which is backed by the military and has never reconciled with him since his ousting. The timing of his return and the ongoing political landscape will undoubtedly create further tensions and uncertainties in Thai politics.