The former Prime Minister of Thailand, Thaksin Shinawatra, has seen his eight-year prison sentence reduced to one year by the nation’s king. This marks a significant turn in the political journey of the former Prime Minister.
Having spent the last 15 years in exile, Thaksin Shinawatra was able to return to his home in Bangkok from the police hospital where he had spent around six months. His return to Thailand in August was met with immediate imprisonment for previous criminal convictions, as handed down by the country’s highest court. Thaksin was then swiftly transferred from the prison to the police hospital.
However, in a surprising turn of events, King Maha Vajiralongkorn of Thailand decided to reduce Thaksin’s sentence to a single year. This decision was reportedly influenced by Thaksin’s advanced age of 74 and his failing health, which includes heart complications and high blood pressure. During his time in the hospital, Thaksin underwent two surgical procedures, as reported by his family.
Despite his exile and the military coup that brought his second term as Prime Minister to an abrupt end in 2006, Thaksin has remained outspoken on Thai affairs and continued to influence the country’s politics. His original party was dissolved after the coup, but the new Pheu Thai party that was constructed in its wake has seen Srettha Thavisin rise to the position of Prime Minister.
The reduction in Thaksin’s sentence and his subsequent return to Thailand have raised questions regarding whether a deal was negotiated to secure these developments. However, the country’s government has categorically denied these rumors. Current Prime Minister Srettha has also stated that Thaksin has already served his prison sentence, although it remains unclear whether the former Prime Minister has actually spent any time incarcerated.
