Thailand’s former PM Thaksin Shinawatra received a two-week royal pardon, shortening his parole, coinciding with his daughter’s election as premier, amidst ongoing power struggles in Thai politics.
Thailand’s former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra received a royal pardon that shortens his parole by two weeks, according to his lawyer. This announcement came shortly after his daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, was elected as Thailand’s second female premier, marking a significant moment for the Shinawatra family.
For over two decades, Thaksin has been embroiled in a power struggle involving royalists, generals, and influential families opposing his clan. Following his return to Thailand from self-imposed exile last August, he was sentenced to eight years for various abuses during his prime ministership from 2001 to 2006, later commuted to one year by the king.
The royal pardon, effective Sunday, comes in honor of the King’s birthday last month. Originally, Thaksin’s parole was set to expire soon, but the pardon has expedited his release. His daughter is now the third member of the Shinawatra family to hold the office, following her uncle and aunt.
