In a significant development, Thailand’s controversial former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has been granted a royal pardon, his lawyer announced on Saturday. This news follows closely on the heels of his daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, becoming the country’s new Prime Minister. Thaksin, the 75-year-old billionaire, was one of thousands to receive amnesty from King Maha Vajiralongkorn as a gesture of clemency to mark his birthday.
Thaksin had been imprisoned for eight years on charges of corruption and abuse of power stemming from his time in office. He returned to Thailand after 15 years of self-exile but was promptly arrested and sentenced. However, his sentence was reduced to one year by the king, and he was subsequently released on parole due to his age and health.
The royal pardon was officially declared in the Royal Gazette, with Thaksin’s lawyer, Winyat Chatmontree, confirming the news on his personal Facebook page. “Thaksin Shinawatra is among those granted the royal pardon,” he stated. “He will later receive a document from the prison saying he is a free man.”
The Royal Gazette’s announcement highlighted the king’s desire to provide opportunities for prisoners to “improve themselves and benefit their country.” The pardon, which applied to prisoners with good conduct, came almost a month after King Vajiralongkorn celebrated his 72nd birthday in late July. Thaksin was originally scheduled to complete his one-year parole on August 31st.
The news of Thaksin’s release comes amidst a tumultuous political landscape. On Friday, lawmakers confirmed Paetongtarn Shinawatra as Prime Minister, making her the youngest person to hold the position. This appointment marks the third time a member of the Shinawatra family has assumed the role, following her father and aunt Yingluck – both of whom were ousted in military coups.
Paetongtarn’s ascension to the top job follows the recent dismissal of former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin by the Constitutional Court. Thavisin was removed for appointing a cabinet minister with a criminal conviction.
