Former Thai leader Thaksin Shinawatra is released on parole
BANGKOK — Thailand’s billionaire former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra was released on parole on Sunday after six months in detention, marking his first day of freedom in his homeland in 15 years following his overthrow in a military coup.
Thailand’s most prominent and divisive leader, Thaksin, has cast a long shadow over politics during his years mostly spent in self-imposed exile, evading imprisonment for charges of abuse of power, which he maintained were fabricated by the country’s old guard to suppress his influence.
The 74-year-old mogul, whose family’s party has returned to power, was granted parole despite never spending a night in prison, with his sentence commuted from eight years to one year by the country’s king in August.
Due to health concerns, Thaksin was confined to a luxury hospital wing, from which he quietly departed before dawn on Sunday, slipping away in a convoy of tinted-window vehicles pursued by a throng of media that had gathered overnight. Dressed in a check shirt, wearing a protective mask, and with his arm in a sling, Thaksin was photographed in a vehicle alongside his youngest daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, leader of the ruling Pheu Thai party, arriving at his Bangkok residence 25 minutes later.
“Congratulations to PM Thaksin ... I hope he will enjoy good health and much happiness and warmth from his beloved family,” remarked Pichai Naripthapan, a government adviser and former energy minister, in a post on X alongside an old photo of him with Thaksin.
Thaksin has been at the center of a two-decade power struggle between the Shinawatra family and a coalition of capitalist newcomers, and a network of royalists, generals, and old-money families who have historically held sway over Thai politics and institutions.
As the founder of a seemingly unstoppable political force that has triumphed in five of the last six elections, Thaksin made a dramatic return by private jet in August, greeted by enthusiastic supporters before being escorted away by saluting police officers.
His homecoming coincided with the election of ally Srettha Thavisin as prime minister on the same day, sparking speculation of a deal with his former adversaries who had ousted three Shinawatra governments in eight years.
However, his allies have denied any such agreement.
Speaking to media during a visit to the northeast on Sunday, Srettha expressed his satisfaction with Thaksin’s release, noting it was in accordance with the law, and praised Thaksin's knowledge and popularity.
Yet, his return and early release have stirred controversy, with widespread doubt about the severity of his health issues and the leniency of his punishment.
“Very sick? Parole? What illness?” Senator Somchai Swangkarn questioned on social media, alongside images of Thaksin leaving the hospital and the hashtag “RIP Thai justice.”
The opposition Move Forward party acknowledged Thaksin's historical unfair treatment but emphasized that justice for him "should not highlight double standards or grant certain individuals privileges above the law."
The anti-Thaksin Network of Students and People for Reform of Thailand went further, sharply criticizing the government and hospital doctors, stating, “Today’s events should land you in jail instead of Thaksin.”
Thaksin’s release had long been expected, and attention now shifts to whether he will adhere to his pledge of retirement and resist the urge to influence a government now led by his family and allies.
“He will undoubtedly retain some influence. But to what extent? He no longer wields the same level of control,” remarked political analyst Thitinan Pongsudhirak.
“Thaksin will be under scrutiny because the new power centers aligned against him do not trust him,” he added. “I'm certain that through back channels, it will be made clear that any breach of the agreement will have consequences.”
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