Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra released from prison

Former Thai Prime Minister Released on Parole After Eight Months Behind Bars

Thailand’s former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has been released from prison in Bangkok, following an eight-month sentence for corruption-related charges. The 76-year-old billionaire was greeted by hundreds of supporters, including his family and political allies, upon his release on Monday.

Thaksin served a one-year sentence, which had been commuted to eight years by the king. However, he was released early due to good behavior in prison, his age, and low risk of reoffending. As part of his parole, Thaksin will be required to wear an electronic ankle monitor for the remainder of his sentence.

Thaksin’s release comes after a tumultuous period in Thai politics, marked by his jailing and the decline of his once-formidable Pheu Thai Party. The party suffered its worst election performance on record earlier this year, slipping to third place in February’s elections.

Thaksin had served as prime minister from 2001 until a military coup toppled him in 2006. He returned to Thailand in 2023 to face an eight-year sentence for conflicts of interest and abuse of power relating to his time in office. After serving six months in the VIP wing of a hospital, Thaksin was freed on parole.

Thaksin’s family members, including his daughter Paetongtarn, were present at his release. In a video streamed by the Thairath news outlet, Thaksin was seen greeting supporters and responding to reporters’ questions.

Source: Al Jazeera