Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra released after serving prison sentence in corruption case

International Desk: PNN

Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has been released after serving eight months in prison as part of a one-year sentence in a corruption case. He was released on Monday morning from Bangkok’s Klong Prem Central Prison, according to sources.

As the 76-year-old former prime minister left the prison, hundreds of supporters, political allies, and family members gathered to welcome him, chanting “We love Thaksin.”

After his release, Thaksin appeared in a white shirt and met family members outside the prison. His daughter, former Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, was present. However, he did not make any public comments to journalists and left quietly.

Thaksin Shinawatra has been one of the most influential figures in Thai politics for more than two decades. He served as prime minister from 2001 to 2006 before being ousted in a military coup and lived in self-imposed exile for a long time.

After returning to Thailand in 2023, he was sentenced in corruption and abuse of power cases. Although he initially received an eight-year prison sentence, it was later reduced to one year through royal pardon.

After returning, he stayed in hospital for health reasons and later spent a short time in prison. He was then granted parole based on good behavior, age, and low risk of reoffending.

Authorities said he must wear an electronic monitoring device (ankle monitor) for the remainder of his sentence.

His release has reignited political discussions about his future role. His party, Pheu Thai, suffered setbacks in recent elections but remains part of the ruling coalition.

Although his political influence has declined, he is still considered an important figure in Thai politics. Analysts believe his release may again influence the country’s political dynamics.