Thailand is about to release former Prime Minister Thaksin
FOA News – Thai Minister of Justice announced. Former Prime Minister Thaksin is in the group receiving suspended sentences and could be released from prison this weekend.
Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin waved to supporters upon arriving at Don Mueang Airport, Bangkok on August 22, 2023. Photo: Reuters
“About 930 prisoners, including Mr. Thaksin, will receive suspended sentences. He belongs to the group with poor health or is over 70 years old and will be automatically released after 6 months of serving his sentence.” Thai Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong spoke to the press today, mentioning former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.
Thai media reported that Mr. Thaksin could be released from prison after February 17.
Mr. Thaksin, 74 years old, returned to Thailand in August 2023 and was arrested shortly thereafter. He was sentenced to 8 years in prison for abuse of power and was pardoned by the Thai royal family to one year in prison. A few hours after being transferred to prison in Bangkok, Mr. Thaksin was hospitalized and transferred to the Police General Hospital. Former Prime Minister Thaksin is still in this hospital.
The Thai Department of Corrections previously said that Mr. Thaksin had many serious illnesses, so his life could be in danger if he returned to prison. A doctor recently said that Mr. Thaksin had high blood pressure, narrowed blood vessels, hepatitis B and had undergone two surgeries since being hospitalized.
Mr. Thaksin returned home at a time when Thailand had a new government led by Pheu Thai, a party related to his family. Mr. Thaksin has held the position of Prime Minister of Thailand since 2001 but was overthrown in a military coup in 2006. He then left the country, living in exile since 2008.
Source: AFP