Thailand’s Ex-PM Thaksin set for release on Sunday

Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is set for release after six months of hospital detention

Thailand’s former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is set to be released from hospital detention this Sunday.

This marks a significant turn in Thaksin’s life, who has spent the last six months in detention after returning from over 14 years in self-imposed exile.

The 74-year-old politician led the country from 2001 to 2006 and was jailed for graft and abuse-of-power charges upon his return in August 2023.

His 8-year sentence was promptly reduced to one year by King Maha Vajiralongkorn.

Thaksin Shinawatra’s health issues necessitated his transfer to a police hospital shortly after his imprisonment, leading to speculation about the conditions of his detention and the nature of his health problems.

The timing of Thaksin’s homecoming and subsequent events have fueled widespread speculation. His return coincided with the election of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin from the Shinawatra-backed Pheu Thai Party, stirring rumors of a possible behind-the-scenes deal with Thailand’s royalist military elite. However, Thaksin’s allies and the government have firmly dismissed these claims.

Thaksin’s impending release, confirmed by Prime Minister Srettha, comes as part of a more significant movement to grant early release to prisoners.

Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong indicated Thaksin would be among 930 prisoners released because of critical health conditions or age.

Despite the upcoming release, Thaksin faces potential legal challenges.

He could be charged for allegedly insulting the monarchy in a 2015 media interview, a severe offense in Thailand. Thaksin has denied the charges and sought fair treatment.

Thaksin’s influence on Thai politics can still be seen today. His populist policies in the early 2000s endeared him to rural Thais while simultaneously drawing the ire of the royalist and military establishment. Significant controversy marked his era in power, including accusations of human rights abuses.

Source: Newsroom