Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Released From Hospital Detention After Six Months
Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin released from hospital detention after six months. Thaksin Shinawatra, who was convicted of corruption and abuse of power, has arrived at his mansion in Bangkok after being released on parole.
Author:Paula M. GrahamReviewer:Rhyley CarneyFeb 18, 20242.6K Shares56.9K Views
Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin released from hospital detention after six months. Thaksin Shinawatra, who was convicted of corruption and abuse of power, has arrived at his mansion in Bangkok after being released on parole. The billionaire, aged 74, was freed from a police hospital, where he was serving a one-year jail sentence.
Thaksin, who returned to Thailand last August after 15 years of self-imposed exile, was immediately detained but did not spend a single night in jail due to reported health issues. His original eight-year prison term was reduced to one year by Thailand's king shortly after his return. The handling of his case has drawn criticism from many Thais who believe that the wealthy and influential often receive preferential treatment.
"Thailand needs a democratic system where the rule of law and justice system is applied in the same way for everyone, without double standards... for privileged people," Thailand's Move Forward Party, which won a majority of seats at the last election but was blocked from government by the Senate, said in a statement.
"Very sick? Parole? What disease?" Senator Somchai Swangkarn said.
Thaksin was observed leaving the police hospital in the capital on Sunday after spending the past six months there.
"Congratulations to PM Thaksin on returning home to Chansongla this morning," government adviser and former energy minister Pichai Naripthapan posted on social media following his release.
“„I hope he will have good health and much happiness and warmth from his beloved family.- Pichai Naripthapan
Thai authorities stated that Thaksin was granted parole due to his age and health concerns. However, they did not specify if any conditions, such as monitoring or travel restrictions, were imposed upon his release. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin mentioned to local reporters that while he currently has no plans to meet with Thaksin, the government is prepared to listen to any political advice he may offer.
Thaksin, widely regarded as Thailand's most successful elected leader, has faced opposition from conservative royalists, leading to military coups and legal battles aimed at diminishing his influence. He fled the country in 2008 following a coup in 2006, spending much of his exile in London and Dubai. His family's Pheu Thai party currently holds power in Thailand.
Despite being a polarizing figure, Thaksin remains popular among millions of rural Thais for his populist policies, while he is strongly disliked by many wealthy elites in Bangkok. He made history as Thailand's first prime minister to complete a full term in office from 2001 to 2006.
Paula M. Graham
Author
Rhyley Carney
Reviewer
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