As his daughter Paetongtarn looks on, Thaksin Shinawatra addresses reporters outside his Bangkok home, which had its doors flung open to visitors on July 26 to celebrate his 75th birthday. (Photo supplied)
Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has just been included in a royal pardon for prisoners, setting the stage for his parole to conclude this Sunday, announced his lawyer Winyat Chartmontri on a lively Saturday. Initially, Thaksin’s parole was supposed to end at the close of the month, but an early release has been granted. This early release aligns with a general royal pardon bestowed upon 7,500 well-behaved prisoners, commemorating His Majesty the King’s birthday last month, explained Mr. Winyat.
This news comes hot on the heels of an even more exciting development—Thaksin’s daughter, Paetongtarn, 37, has blazed a trail by becoming the youngest person ever elected Prime Minister of Thailand. Interestingly, she is the third member of the Shinawatra lineage to take on this prestigious role.
Thaksin, now a spirited 75, made his dramatic return to Thailand last August after spending 15 years in self-exile. He had originally skipped bail and fled the country in 2008, alleging that the numerous charges against him were riddled with political bias, depriving him of a fair trial.
The day Thaksin touched down in Bangkok, he was handed an eight-year prison sentence, which was later whittled down to a mere one year thanks to an earlier royal pardon. His offenses were rooted in conflict of interest and abuse of authority during his time in power from 2001 to 2006.
Despite his sentencing, Thaksin never actually spent a night behind prison bars. Instead, he spent a comfortable six months in Police General Hospital. Due to his age, health condition, and the fact he had served half his sentence, he became eligible for parole in February.
One notable stipulation of his parole was that he abstain from any direct political activity. However, the seasoned patriarch of the governing Pheu Thai Party has been anything but idle. His behind-the-scenes maneuverings have been well-documented—and then some.
A local media outlet even highlighted an upcoming seminar scheduled for August 22, where Thaksin is slated to be the keynote speaker, sharing his grand “vision for Thailand.” This led one cheeky commentator on X to suggest that it might be more fitting for him to yield the stage to his newly minted Prime Minister daughter, as the public is understandably eager to hear her vision.
Yet, Thaksin’s legal challenges are far from over. He still faces a lese-majeste charge stemming from a 2015 interview he gave to a South Korean newspaper. In that conversation, the former premier claimed that privy councillors had supported a 2014 coup that toppled the government led by his sister, Yingluck.
Thaksin was released on bail concerning this charge, but a trial date remains elusive. Recently, he sought court permission to travel to Dubai—where he spent much of his time in exile—for medical treatment, but this request was flat-out denied.
Thaksin shouldn’t be getting any early release. He fled the country to avoid being prosecuted for his crimes!
But he came back voluntarily and faced the consequences. Plus, his health is deteriorating.
Returning doesn’t erase his crimes. He should still serve his full sentence!
Agreed. Justice should not be conditional on whether someone voluntarily returns or not.
I think the royal pardon is more about reconciliation. Politically motivated charges should be revisited!
The royal pardon sets a bad precedent. People in power should face stricter consequences, not leniency.
True, but it’s also about healing the nation. Holding onto grudges can be toxic.
Healing without justice is meaningless. Still, it’s a complex situation.
Paetongtarn is just a puppet for her father. It’s obvious who’s really pulling the strings.
That’s such a sexist take. Can’t a woman succeed on her own merit without being labeled a puppet?
Agreed, Paula. This double standard is exhausting. If it were a son, people wouldn’t bat an eye.
I’m not questioning her abilities because she’s a woman. It’s just that Thaksin’s influence is undeniable.
I don’t buy into the conspiracy theories. She’s intelligent and capable in her own right.
It’s ironic how Thaksin gets early release for being ‘well-behaved.’ He hasn’t even been in a real prison!
I know, right? It’s just another example of how the elite get special treatment.
Exactly! It’s one rule for the rich and another for everyone else.
This isn’t unique to Thailand. It’s a global issue of justice being unequal.
Despite his faults, Thaksin has done a lot for the country. His business acumen really boosted the economy.
Sure, but at what cost? Economic gains don’t justify corruption and abuse of power.
I wonder what role Thaksin will play in Thai politics now that he’s out. Behind the scenes, of course.
Paetongtarn becoming the youngest PM is inspiring. Effective leadership can come from anyone, regardless of age.
Inspiring? It’s nepotism at its finest. Look at her lineage.
She should be judged by her actions as PM, not by her last name.
The lese-majeste charge is a serious issue. Free speech vs. national security is a delicate balance to maintain.
It restricts too much speech under the guise of protecting the monarchy. People should discuss these issues openly.
I’m curious about Thaksin’s ‘vision for Thailand.’ Can he actually help shape policies from the sidelines?
Interesting how Thaksin’s release lined up with Paetongtarn’s premiership. Too convenient if you ask me.
Sometimes coincidences are just that. Not everything is a grand plan.
Still, it makes you think, doesn’t it?
How will Paetongtarn navigate the ongoing political tension? The military isn’t too thrilled about this.
We can’t ignore the role of the monarchy in all this. Their decisions shape so much of what happens in Thai politics.
Are Thaksin’s legal issues ever going to end? The lese-majeste charge is just one of many headaches he’s dealing with.
It’s poetic justice that Thaksin is still dealing with legal issues. Actions have consequences.
Can’t wait to see how Paetongtarn’s leadership style compares to her father’s and aunt’s.
Anyone else think Thaksin’s hospital stay was suspiciously comfortable for a convicted felon?
Absolutely! There’s no justice in affluent criminals getting VIP treatment.
It’s one reason people lose faith in the system.
Well, he has health issues. It’s complex.
The fact that Thaksin still has influence can be both good and bad. He knows Thai politics inside out.
It’s fascinating to see how history repeats itself. Another Shinawatra in power!