Thailand's ex-Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra released early from probation
AP News • • world
Key Points:
- Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has completed all obligations related to his prison sentence following a royal pardon that ended his four-month probation early.
- The pardon, granted by King Maha Vajiralongkorn on Queen Suthida’s birthday, applied to eligible convicts including Thaksin, who had less than a year remaining on his sentence.
- Thaksin was released from prison on May 11 after serving eight months of a one-year sentence for corruption-related charges involving misuse of his position and a state lottery project.
- Despite his release, there is speculation about Thaksin’s potential continued influence over the Pheu Thai Party, though his family suggests he may step back from politics.
- Thaksin’s legal obligations are fully lifted, but the removal of his electronic monitoring bracelet is pending, which may take several days.