Thailand’s former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has had his prison sentence reduced by the country’s king, Maha Vajiralongkorn, following a request for pardon. Thaksin, a billionaire who spent 15 years in self-exile to avoid imprisonment, had been serving an eight-year sentence. The king’s decision to commute the sentence to one year was published in the official Royal Gazette, citing Thaksin’s service as prime minister and his acceptance of guilt and remorse. Thaksin, aged 74, returned to Thailand in a high-profile homecoming but was moved to a police hospital on his first night due to health concerns.
Thaksin Shinawatra, a former telecoms tycoon and owner of Manchester City, served as prime minister of Thailand twice before being ousted in a military coup in 2006. Loved by many rural Thais for his populist policies, he has been a highly influential but divisive figure in the nation’s history. The political landscape in Thailand has long been shaped by efforts to keep Thaksin and his allies away from power, with the country’s establishment often opposing him.
Thaksin’s return to Thailand coincided with his party, Pheu Thai, forming a government in alliance with pro-military parties. This development led to speculation that an agreement had been reached to reduce his jail time. However, this year’s election saw the progressive Move Forward Party (MFP) win the most seats, breaking the dominance of parties connected to Thaksin. The subsequent coalition government excluded the MFP while bringing in parties associated with the coup-makers who ousted Thaksin and his sister, Yingluck. This move has caused disappointment and anger among many Thais.
Thaksin Shinawatra received a hero’s welcome from his supporters upon his arrival in Bangkok, and his first public act was to pay homage to the king at the airport. Shortly after, Pheu Thai’s Srettha Thavisin was confirmed as the country’s prime minister, marking the party’s return to power since Yingluck’s removal in a 2014 coup.
As Thailand navigates its complex political landscape, the reduced prison sentence for Thaksin has raised questions about the role of the monarchy in the country’s governance. While he is revered by many for his contributions to the nation, Thaksin’s critics, including those within the royalist and pro-military establishment, continue to condemn him for alleged abuse of power and conflicts of interest during his time in office.
The decision to pardon Thaksin reflects the monarchy’s acknowledgement of his service to the country as prime minister, his acceptance of guilt, and his expressions of remorse. Additionally, Thaksin’s age and health conditions were taken into consideration. It is suggested that the reduction in his sentence will allow him to utilize his expertise and experience to further contribute to the development of Thailand.
In a country where political rivalries run deep and power dynamics constantly shift, Thaksin Shinawatra’s case continues to captivate the nation. As Thailand moves forward, it remains to be seen how his reduced prison sentence and return to the political landscape will shape its future.
