Mr Thaksin returned home last month after 15 years in exile. He was sentenced to eight years in prison on charges of abuse of power, conflict of interest and misconduct.
Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra could be released as early as late February 2024. Photo: Reuters
On the first night after returning to Thailand, Mr. Thaksin became ill and was transferred to the police hospital in the early morning of August 23 with chest pain and high blood pressure. He is still being treated in the hospital.
On September 1, the Royal Gazette reported that King Maha Vajiralongkorn had decided to reduce former Prime Minister Thaksin's prison sentence from eight years to one year. However, according to Reuters, he could be released earlier.
"After serving six months, Thaksin will be eligible for amnesty for prisoners over 70 or those with illnesses," Deputy Corrections Department Director Sitthi Sutivong told Reuters .
Mr Sitthi said the Department of Corrections would assess each case and there was no specific pardon application process for such cases. According to Mr Sitthi, the former prime minister’s hospital treatment was at the discretion of medical professionals and was not time-limited.
According to the Bangkok Post, Thaksin's lawyer Winyat Chartmontree said that Thaksin still needs daily health assessments so it is unlikely that he will return to prison. This lawyer is considering filing a pardon for Thaksin on the grounds of serious illness and his previous tenure as prime minister.
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