Thai King Commutes Former PM Thaksin’s Jail Term to One Year

Thaksin currently in Bangkok hospital due to heart condition
Loyalty to monarchy, age, health cited in royal pardon plea

Thaksin Shinawatra bows before a portrait of King Maha Vajiralongkorn at Don Mueang airport after returning from self-exile in Bangkok on Aug. 22.Photographer: Valeria Mongelli/Bloomberg

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By Patpicha Tanakasempipat

September 1, 2023 at 8:27 AM UTC

Updated on

September 1, 2023 at 11:09 AM UTC

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Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn commuted former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s jail term to one year within days of the former leader returning to the country from 15 years of self-imposed exile.

The royal pardon for Thaksin, 74, came after the two-time premier moved a petition earlier this week seeking clemency from serving an eight-year jail term. Though he was sent to a prison in Bangkok upon his arrival on Aug. 22, the former leader was soon after moved to a police hospital due to chest pain and high blood pressure.