The youngest daughter of fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra has posted a short video clip on Instagram showing herself sprinkling water on her father for a blessing – a traditional Songkran celebration.
In the 27-second video posted on Instagram @ingshin21 on Thursday, Paetongtarn “Ing” Shinawatra sprinkles water on her father’s hands, saying: “I wish you health. Wherever you are, you’ll always have me. Don’t be afraid. I wish you happiness every day. And I’m with you.”
She hands Thaksin a garland, which he takes and then kisses his daughter on the cheek. After that, he hands her a small square-shaped souvenir, possibly a Buddha image.
There are a few other unidentified Thai people present in the scene wearing black and white flower shirts, typical during the Songkran festival.
The caption of the video is: “Happy Thai New Year to all the Thai people.”
It is not known where the video was taken.
Hundreds of Thais both on Instagram and Facebook where the video was shared expressed support and gave blessings for the Shinawatras, especially Thaksin, who has been radically affected by the political conflict in the past decade.
He fled Thailand in 2008 before he and his wife Pojaman Na Pombejra were due to face corruption charges in court over a dubious land purchase. His wife and his three children still live in Thailand.
