Thailand to release former Prime Minister Thaksin

Thailand's Justice Minister announced that former Prime Minister Thaksin is among those given suspended sentences and could be released from prison this weekend.

"About 930 prisoners, including Mr. Thaksin, will receive suspended sentences. He is in the group of those with poor health or over 70 years old and will be automatically released after 6 months of serving his sentence," Thai Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong told reporters today, referring to former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Thai media reported that Mr. Thaksin could be released from prison after February 17.

Mr. Thaksin, 74, returned to Thailand in August 2023 and was arrested shortly afterward. He was sentenced to eight years in prison for abuse of power and later pardoned by the Thai royal family, reducing his sentence to one year. Hours after arriving at the Bangkok prison, Mr. Thaksin was hospitalized and transferred to the Police General Hospital. The former prime minister remains in the hospital.

Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin waves to supporters upon arriving at Don Mueang Airport, Bangkok on August 22, 2023. Photo: Reuters

The Department of Corrections has previously said Mr Thaksin suffers from a number of serious health conditions that could put his life in danger if he returns to prison. A doctor recently said Mr Thaksin suffers from high blood pressure, narrowed blood vessels, hepatitis B and has undergone two surgeries since being admitted to hospital.

Mr Thaksin returned to Thailand when a new government was formed under the Pheu Thai Party, which is linked to his family. Mr Thaksin had been prime minister since 2001 but was ousted in a military coup in 2006. He then left the country and has lived in exile since 2008.

Nhu Tam (According to AFP )

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