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摘要

We owe Thaksin Shinawa- tra, Thailand's prime minister, an apology. Four years ago, when he won his first election, The Economist was sceptical. We said his position as Thailand's richest man exposed him to insuperable conflicts of inter- est, that his instincts were alarmingly undemocratic and that his populist election promises were unrealistic and bound to produce either disappointment or real economic damage. As Thailand votes again, on February 6th-with Mr Thaksin reckoned to be sure of increasing his mandate—we are happy to revise this assessment.