BANGKOK: Thailand’s former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who recently returned from a 15-year exile, received a significant reduction in his prison sentence, with the country’s king converting his eight-year jail term to just one year. This development, which took place just days after Thaksin’s return, has sparked widespread speculation about a potential secret deal to secure his mercy.
The decision to grant Thaksin a partial pardon was made after the ex-prime minister, aged 74, applied for a royal pardon in light of his prior convictions related to graft and abuse of office. The move has raised questions about the circumstances surrounding this decision, with many speculating on a possible agreement that facilitated the reduction in his sentence.
Thaksin Shinawatra, who served as Thailand’s Prime Minister twice and was ousted in a 2006 military coup, was swiftly sent to prison upon his return to the kingdom last week. This marked his first visit to Thailand since 2008.
Official Royal Gazette Confirms Reduction in Thaksin’s Sentence
The official Royal Gazette confirmed the commutation of Thaksin’s sentence, citing his contributions to the country as prime minister. The statement read, “He is loyal to the institution of monarchy. When prosecuted, he respected the justice system,” and also noted his numerous health issues. “His Majesty the King has granted him amnesty and reduced the sentence on Thaksin Shinawatra, the prisoner, to one year in prison, so that he could use his expertise and experience to develop the country further.”
Coincidentally, Thaksin’s return coincided with his political party, Pheu Thai, regaining power in an alliance with pro-military parties. This alignment led many to speculate that a behind-the-scenes agreement had been reached to reduce his jail time.
New Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, a member of the Pheu Thai party, expressed his congratulations to Thaksin’s family and commented on the health concerns surrounding the former prime minister. “His family must be happy. I heard he suffers from high blood pressure. They must be at ease.”
Thaksin Shinawatra remains a highly influential but polarizing figure in modern Thai history. His populist policies in the early 2000s garnered support from millions of rural Thais, but he has long been criticized by the country’s royalist and pro-military establishment.
