2023-09-01 18:42:10
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Former Thai PM Thaksin Shinawatra received a reduced sentence from the King of Thailand. Photo/Reuters
BANGKOK – Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn reduced the prison sentence of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra from eight years to one year in prison. It was an extraordinary event that ended decades of extraordinary political history.
Thaksin, the leader of a famous political dynasty who made a dramatic return to Thailand from 15 years of exile last week, submitted a request for a government pardon.
A statement published by Thailand’s Royal Gazette on Friday said the King had acknowledged Thaksin’s proposal and, “in the generosity of His Majesty, he has reduced the sentence of male convict Thaksin Shinawatra to one year.”
The statement added that Thaksin’s devotion to the country, his loyalty to the monarchy, and that he has “acknowledged and regretted” his past actions also count.
“He has served as the prime minister of Thailand who served the country and his work is beneficial to the people and the country. He held his allegiance to the monarchy. And when he was charged and sentenced by the court to that prison term, with respect to the justice system, he confessed and regretted his actions,” the statement read.
“He is willing to serve his sentence as he is elderly and has health problems and illnesses that must be treated by a specialist.”
The statement did not say exactly when Thaksin applied for a royal pardon. The king’s order is dated August 31 and signed by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, the former army chief who overthrew the elected government once led by Thaksin’s sister.
Thaksin, 74, was prime minister from 2001 until he was ousted in a military coup in 2006. He returned to Thailand briefly in 2008 before leaving the country over allegations of corruption.
For the first time since he fled, Thaksin flew back to Thailand by private jet on August 22, where he was met in Bangkok by family and supporters.
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