Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra was released from prison on Sunday after the coalition government led by a party backed by his family granted him special parole citing his old age and illness.
Thaksin, 74, was released six months before the end of his prison sentence from a police hospital in Bangkokwhere he was interned after being sentenced upon his return from a 15-year self-exile in August last year. He was greeted by his daughter and head of the ruling Pheu Thai Party, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, and taken to his family home in a suburb of the Thai capital.reported Thai PBS and other local media outlets.
The billionaire politician was included on a list of more than 900 prisoners eligible for suspended prison sentences because he was over 70 years old and suffered from chronic illnesses, according to the Ministry of Justice. Thaksin was taken to the police hospital within hours of being admitted to a Bangkok prison on August 22 after complaining of chest pain and high blood pressure..
The two-time prime minister was sentenced to eight years in prison on corruption charges upon his return from exile. In September, King Maha Vajiralongkorn granted him a partial royal pardon and his sentence was commuted to just one year..
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said earlier this week that The suspension of the sentence of the popular politician was in accordance with the law. He heads a coalition headed by Pheu Thai, effectively led by Thaksin.
Under Thai law, prisoners who have served at least two-thirds of their sentences can be released early on parole.. In addition, prisoners who are 70 years old or older and have serious illnesses may also be eligible for release after serving at least six months, or one-third of their sentences.
Thaksin, a controversial but enduring figure in Thai politics, is the head of the Shinawatra clan that has dominated national elections. only to be systematically removed from power. His return home was seen as part of a deal with the military establishment that overthrew him in 2006. and with the government of his sister Yingluck Shinawatra in 2014.
Hours after Thaksin returned to Thailand, Srettha was elected the country’s new prime minister after months of political stalemate.. Thaksin’s youngest daughter, Paetongtarn, took command of Pheu Thai last year, further strengthening the clan’s power.
