Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin makes first public appearance since release

Mr. Thaksin, his daughter Paetongtarn Shinawatra and son-in-law Pitaka Suksawat visited a famous temple in the capital Bangkok today, before a three-day trip to Chiang Mai later in the day.

Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra (second right) and his daughter Paetongtarn Shinawatra (right) visit a famous temple in Bangkok on March 14, 2024. Photo: AFP

Mr Thaksin, wearing a blue shirt and a neck brace, prayed from around 5am. Later today, he will fly to Chiang Mai - his hometown - to meet family and supporters and pray at the graves of his loved ones.

The 74-year-old politician returned to Thailand in August last year after 15 years in exile and was immediately sentenced to eight years in prison on charges dating back to his time in power.

But his sentence was commuted to one year by King Maha Vajiralongkorn just days after his return and last month Thai authorities said Mr Thaksin was eligible for early release because of his age and health.

A former police officer and telecommunications tycoon, Mr Thaksin was beloved by millions of rural Thais for his populist policies in the early 2000s but has long been opposed by the country's royalist and pro-military establishment.

Mai Van (according to CNA)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/cuu-thu-tuong-thai-lan-thaksin-xuat-hien-truoc-cong-chung-lan-dau-ke-tu-khi-duoc-tu-do-post287860.html