1-9-2023 (BANGKOK) Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn has granted a royal pardon, reducing the jail term of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to one year. This decision came shortly after Thaksin’s return to Thailand following 15 years of self-imposed exile.
Thaksin, 74, had previously been remanded to eight years in jail upon his arrival on August 22 but was quickly transferred to a hospital due to chest pain and high blood pressure.
Thaksin fled Thailand in 2008 to evade corruption charges after being ousted in a 2006 military coup. He was found guilty in four graft cases in absentia, with three of these convictions still outstanding at the time of his return. In his plea for a pardon, Thaksin cited his advanced age, health conditions, loyalty to the monarchy, and respect for the judicial process.
According to a document published in the Royal Gazette on Friday, King Vajiralongkorn granted “great mercy” to commute Thaksin’s sentences, allowing the former leader to use his knowledge, abilities, and experience to benefit the nation, society, and people in the future. The royal pardon decree was countersigned by outgoing Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-Ocha, emphasizing the king’s power to pardon criminals.
Thaksin’s return to Thailand was seen as part of a deal with the military establishment, which has repeatedly ousted his family and political allies over the past two decades. Shortly after his return, Srettha Thavisin, a nominee of the coalition headed by the Pheu Thai Party, effectively led by Thaksin, was elected as Thailand’s new prime minister.
Srettha has finalized his cabinet’s line-up, which is expected to be submitted for royal endorsement in the coming days. Thaksin’s return and the subsequent political developments have garnered significant attention, underscoring the complex dynamics of Thai politics and governance.
