Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra was granted parole on Sunday, as reported by local media, marking six months since the commencement of his one-year sentence for corruption and abuse of power. Incumbent Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin had earlier announced the release of the former PM on February 13, 2024.
Thaksin, aged 74, was observed departing from Police General Hospital in Bangkok’s Pathum Wan District early Sunday morning. It was reported that he remained at the hospital for the duration of his incarceration, attributed to purported severe and life-threatening health conditions following his detention in August of the previous year.
Upon his return from a 15-year self-imposed exile in August 2023, Thaksin was apprehended upon arrival in Thailand. Initially facing an eight-year imprisonment term, his sentence was reduced to one year through a royal pardon granted by the King of Thailand on August 31.
Among 930 other inmates, Thaksin was deemed eligible for parole under a Correction Department regulation allowing prisoners to be considered for early release following a designated period and an official review. Thai authorities cited Thaksin’s poor health and advanced age as grounds for his release.
Thaksin, who served in the Thai Police from 1973 to 1987 and held the position of Prime Minister from 2001 to 2006, was originally charged with misusing his authority as PM to facilitate his then-wife’s acquisition of land from the Bank of Thailand’s Financial Institutions Development Fund (FIDF) at a discounted rate in 2003. He was convicted in absentia in 2008 for violating provisions of the National Counter-Corruption Act.
The former PM’s release has garnered support from prominent governmental figures and the general public. However, criticism has arisen regarding the handling of the case, particularly from members of the opposition, who perceive the decision to grant Thaksin parole as emblematic of inherent disparities within the country’s justice system. They contend that the affluent and influential receive preferential treatment. The opposition Move Forward Party issued a statement asserting that Thailand does not require a double-standard justice system.
Ahead of Thaksin’s release on Sunday, the Student and People’s Network for Thailand Reform assembled outside the hospital on Saturday night to protest the former PM’s parole. They urged the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) to investigate the legitimacy of Thaksin’s reported illnesses and had previously demanded his return to prison.
The NACC has acknowledged the complaint and affirms its collaboration with the Corrections Department and Police General Hospital to verify Thaksin’s medical condition.
Following his release, Thaksin returned to his residence in the Bang Phlat district. Whether his parole entails conditions such as monitoring or travel restrictions remains unclear.
