Former Prime Minister of Thailand Thaksin Shinawatra was released from a Bangkok prison after serving eight months of a one-year sentence over corruption charges. He was greeted by family members, political allies, and supporters as he left the Klong Prem Central Prison on Monday.
Thaksin was an influential figure in Thai politics, dominating the scene for about 25 years. His arrest led to a steep decline in popularity, with his Pheu Thai Party suffering from its worst election performance earlier this year. His daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, was also ousted from her position as prime minister by a court order issued in August last year. Although he acknowledged his followers and walked around to greet them, he did not speak to the media.
Thaksin was Thailand’s Prime Minister from 2001 till 2006, when a military coup overthrew his government while he was abroad. He returned to Thailand in 2023, after 15 years in self-exile, to serve an eight-year sentence over conflicts of interest and abuse of power during his time in the office. The Thai King later reduced the sentence to one year.
Thaksin stayed in prison for a couple of hours before complaining of heart troubles and chest pain. He was taken to the VIP wing of a hospital, where he spent six months until he was freed on parole.
In September 2025, the Supreme Court ordered Thaksin to complete his sentence, ruling that he and his doctors had intentionally prolonged his hospital stay with unnecessary minor surgeries.
A Ministry of Justice panel granted him parole last month, as part of a review of more than 900 eligible prisoners’ cases, due to good behaviour, age, and low-risk of repeated offence.
The corrections department has said that Thaskin would be required to wear an electronic ankle monitor for the rest of his sentence.
Despite suffering a huge loss in the 2026 elections, Thaksin’s Pheu Thai Party joined the coalition government of conservative Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. Thaksin’s nephew, Yodchanan Wongsawat, also joined the cabinet as Minister of Higher Education.
