Thailand’s Jailed PM Shinawatra Secures Release
The Kingdom’s Justice Minister has said that former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is being led back to freedom. The incident adds a new chapter to the controversial billionaire’s amazing political saga, which had only just begun after 15 years of his self-imposed exile. In August he was sentenced to eight years in prison on corruption and power abuse charges, but within days his sentence was reduced to one year by King Maha Vajiralongkorn.
Justice Minister Tawei Sodsong said on Tuesday that former Manchester City owner Thaksin, 74, who is likely to be freed this week, will join 930 prisoners who have been released early, most of whom are in their 70s. or have severe nerve disease.
An unexpected development is Thaksin’s expectation of a final moment of liberation, likely as soon as this week. There were rumors of a secret agreement between the timing of his return and his agreement with the Pu Thai Party forces to return to government. After his conviction, he was immediately sent to a police hospital to recover from health problems, which casts doubt on whether he actually spent any time in a prison.
Although the disputed details of Thaksin’s release instructions are not yet clear, technical matters are being speculated upon – such as monitoring with ankle tags and restrictions on freedom of travel. His release contributes to a narrative amid the political gyrations that have defined Thai PM politics for the past twenty years: the perpetual power struggle between the establishment and Thaksin and his supporters.
Royalist and pro-military factions supported Thaksin
He is loved by rural Thai farmers for his populist policies, first proposed in the 2000s. Upon his return to Bangkok supporters welcomed him as a hero, highlighting the deep divisions in Thai politics. His first public act upon his return was to sit in reverence in front of a painting of the king at the airport, reflecting the complex relationship between politics and dynasty.
Recent events, such as him being accused of lese-majesty over comments he made in South Korea ten years ago, make his future even more unclear. Their refusal to deny these allegations, the legal battle, and their demands for fair treatment further complicate their already complex political situation. It is unclear whether the case will go to court, leaving Taksin’s future uncertain.
While waiting for Thaksin’s release, his family faces questions about what impact his return will have on Thailand’s future. Localism, and the deep conflict between Thaksin and his supporters, is an important feature that helps shape the narrative of Thai politics. Thaksin’s life, which has many twists and turns, reflects the precision, brutality and dissent of Thai Prime minister.