Former Prime Minister of Thailand Thaksin has been released. He returned to his residence in the capital, Bangkok, after being released from the country’s police hospital in the early hours of Sunday (February 18). He was released from prison six months after returning home from 15 years of voluntary exile. News from AFP.
The controversial tycoon, who served as Thailand’s twice-elected prime minister, was ousted in a military coup in 2006. After returning home in August last year, he was sentenced to eight years in prison for abuse of power and corruption. However, within a few days of his return home, King Maha Vajiralongkorn of Thailand reduced his sentence to one year. Later last week, the government said Thaksin Shinawatra, 74, would be released before the end of his prison term due to his health and age.
After being released from the police hospital on Sunday morning, Thaksin returned to his home in a car with his two daughters, Paytangtarn and Pintangta. However, at this time several people were seen protesting his release outside the hospital. Details about his release, however, are not known. But it is assumed he will be under surveillance and have a tag attached to his ankle. Besides, there will be restrictions on his movement.
On the day Thaksin Shinawatra returned home last year, his Pew Thai Party returned to power in an alliance with the army-backed party. Since then, many have speculated that there was a backroom deal to reduce his prison term. The rumor got stronger when it was seen that he was sent from the jail to the police hospital.
Thaksin Shinawatra is suffering from chest problems and high blood pressure. And he went to the hospital with this problem. His family said he underwent two surgeries over the next few months.
Thai Prime Minister Shrettha Thavisin has denied any agreement between the Pew Thai Party and the ruling party. Rather, he said, Thaksin has served his prison term. However, Thaksin Shinawatra did not have to spend time in a prison cell.
