Thailand officially releases former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra after a royal pardon, with the decision tied to a clemency measure marking Queen Suthida’s birthday on June 3. Multiple outlets report that King Maha Vajiralongkorn grants the pardon as part of pardons issued to selected prisoners.
Thaksin, 76, had been serving a one-year sentence related to corruption and abuse of power. He serves eight months in prison and is released on parole earlier, with his age and health cited as factors for parole eligibility. After meeting the requirements of his release, Thailand’s Department of Corrections states he is now officially freed.
Several reports add that his parole release includes conditions, including the use of an electronic monitoring device. Looking ahead, Bloomberg and the Japan Times say Thaksin plans to travel to Dubai, where he previously had a base during years of exile. The South China Morning Post notes that, even as he is freed, Thaksin faces additional legal matters, including a new multimillion tax case.
