Thailand: Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra Pardoned by the King

## Thaksin Shinawatra’s Pardon and Return to Thailand

Thaksin Shinawatra, the former prime minister of Thailand and billionaire, has been granted a royal pardon and his daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, has been appointed as the head of the kingdom’s government.

## Thaksin’s Past and Return to Thailand

Thaksin, aged 75, amassed his wealth in the telecom industry and fled the country in 2008 to avoid previous corruption convictions during his time in power from 2001 until the 2006 coup. He returned to Thailand in August 2023 and was granted a royal pardon reducing his prison sentence from eight to one year.

## Thaksin’s Release and Current Status

After spending only six months in custody, primarily in a Bangkok hospital, Thaksin was released on parole due to his age and health condition. The royal pardon was officially announced in the royal gazette, expressing the king’s intention to offer opportunities to those willing to contribute positively to the country.

## Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s Rise to Power

Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Thaksin’s daughter, has become the youngest prime minister in Thailand’s history at 37 years old, continuing the legacy of her family’s political dynasty that has governed the kingdom for over two decades.

[Image: Thaksin Shinawatra and Paetongtarn Shinawatra]


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