Former Prime Minister Included in Royal Pardon as 7,500 Receive Sentence Reductions
PUBLISHED: 17 Aug 2024 at 16:27
Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has been granted a royal pardon, leading to the early end of his parole, according to his lawyer, Winyat Chartmontri. Thaksin’s parole, initially set to conclude at the end of the month, will now end on Sunday as part of a broader royal pardon that affects 7,500 prisoners recognized for good conduct in honor of His Majesty the King’s birthday celebrated last month.
This development coincides with his daughter, Paetongtarn, being elected as Thailand’s youngest prime minister, marking the third member of the Shinawatra family to ascend to the position.
Thaksin, now 75, returned to Thailand in August 2023 after a 15-year self-exile, stemming from convictions he claims were politically motivated. Upon his return, he received an eight-year sentence, later reduced to one year via an earlier royal pardon, for charges related to conflict of interest and abuse of power during his administration from 2001 to 2006.
Despite facing a sentence, Thaksin never served time in prison, instead spending six months in Police General Hospital. His eligibility for parole was based on his age, health condition, and serving half of his sentence.
One stipulation of his parole was to refrain from direct political involvement. However, Thaksin has been reported to be active behind the scenes within the governing Pheu Thai Party.
Local media has also reported on an upcoming seminar featuring Thaksin as the keynote speaker, where he intends to share his “vision for Thailand,” leading to comments suggesting his daughter might be more suited to address the public’s interests.
Thaksin still faces a pending legal challenge related to a lese-majeste charge stemming from a 2015 interview with a South Korean publication, in which he claimed support for the 2014 coup that removed his sister’s government.
Though released on bail for this charge, no trial date has been set. His recent request for court approval to travel to Dubai for medical treatment was denied.
