Former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra has been released on parole from a police hospital in Bangkok, where he had been serving a one-year jail sentence for corruption and abuse of power. The 74-year-old billionaire arrived at his mansion in the capital on Sunday morning, sparking controversy over his political influence and future.
Thaksin’s Sentence and Parole
Thaksin was convicted in absentia in 2008 for abusing his power to help his wife buy land from a state agency at a discounted price. He fled the country before the verdict and lived in self-imposed exile for 15 years, mostly in London and Dubai. He returned to Thailand last August, hoping to benefit from a royal pardon granted by King Vajiralongkorn on his 70th birthday. However, he was arrested as soon as he landed and taken to the Police General Hospital, where he claimed to have health problems.
Thaksin’s original eight-year prison term was commuted to one year by the king, just days after his return. He was eligible for parole after serving six months, due to his age and health issues. He left the hospital early on Sunday in a convoy, wearing a neck support, a sling on his right arm and a surgical mask. He did not speak to the media or his supporters who gathered outside his residence.
Thaksin’s Political Legacy and Controversy
Thaksin is one of the most divisive figures in Thai politics. He was the first prime minister in Thailand’s history to lead an elected government through a full term in office, from 2001 to 2006. He was popular among the rural poor for his populist policies, such as universal health care, cheap loans and subsidies. He also presided over a period of economic growth and stability.
However, he was also accused of corruption, cronyism, human rights violations and undermining the monarchy. He faced mass protests from the urban elite and the royalist establishment, who saw him as a threat to their interests and influence. He was ousted by a military coup in 2006, which triggered a decade of political turmoil and violence in the country.
Thaksin’s family and allies have won every election since 2001, but have been repeatedly removed from power by coups, court rulings and street protests. His sister, Yingluck Shinawatra, was also prime minister from 2011 to 2014, but was impeached and banned from politics for negligence in a rice subsidy scheme. She also fled the country in 2017, before being sentenced to five years in jail.
Thaksin’s party, Pheu Thai, is currently the main opposition party in Thailand, which is led by a former army chief, Prayut Chan-o-cha, who seized power in a coup in 2014. Prayut was re-elected in a controversial election in 2019, which was marred by allegations of fraud and manipulation. The pro-democracy movement, which has been protesting against Prayut’s government and demanding reforms to the monarchy, has also expressed support for Thaksin and Yingluck.
Thaksin’s Future Plans and Reactions
Thaksin’s release on parole has raised questions about his future plans and role in Thai politics. Some analysts believe that he may try to negotiate a deal with the government and the palace, to end his legal troubles and secure his assets. Others suggest that he may seek to revive his political base and challenge the status quo.
Thaksin’s supporters have welcomed his return home, hoping that he will help the pro-democracy movement and the opposition party. They have also expressed concern for his health and safety, as he faces several other charges and lawsuits. Thaksin’s critics have condemned his release, accusing him of evading justice and exploiting his wealth and connections. They have also warned that he may cause more instability and division in the country.
Thaksin has not revealed his intentions or opinions on the current political situation. He has only posted a message on his Twitter account, thanking his followers for their birthday wishes and prayers. He turned 75 on Saturday, a day before his parole. He said he was grateful for the king’s kindness and mercy, and asked for forgiveness for any mistakes he had made.
