Thailand's Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra Released on Parole

Thaksin Shinawatra Released on Parole After Six Months in Custody

Bangkok, Thailand — Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, 76, was released from Klong Prem prison in Bangkok on Monday, February 18, 2024, after serving a reduced sentence for conflicts of interest and abuse of power.

"I feel relieved," Thaksin said as he was met by hundreds of supporters and family members, including his daughter Paetongtarn Shinawatra.

Despite his release, Thaksin is required to wear an electronic ankle monitor until his sentence officially ends in September.

Thaksin returned to Thailand in August 2023 after 15 years of self-exile to serve an eight-year sentence. The king later commuted the sentence to one year.

He spent six months in a hospital before being returned to prison, as the Supreme Court ruled his hospital stay was prolonged with unnecessary surgeries.

His daughter Paetongtarn was removed as prime minister by a court in August 2023, a day before Thaksin's incarceration. Following this, the Pheu Thai party became a junior partner in a coalition led by Anutin Charnvirakul.

Political scientist Titipol Phakdeewanich commented that Thaksin's release could revive the Pheu Thai party but warned that he must "tread carefully" to avoid renewed political turmoil.