Thaksin Shinawatra No Longer Required to Wear Monitoring Device
The official documentation confirming the release of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra from his parole conditions, including the removal of his electronic monitoring device, has been issued. The Department of Corrections stated that Thaksin is now free from any criminal punishment, supervision, or associated stipulations, emphasizing that this decision aligns with the established protocols for all eligible parolees.
Background of Release and Pardon
Thaksin, aged 76, had served approximately eight months of a one-year sentence for corruption and abuse of power. His release on parole on May 11 was primarily due to his advanced age and health concerns. A condition of his parole was the mandatory wearing of an electronic monitoring device, which was scheduled to remain in place until the expiration of his sentence on September 9. However, a subsequent royal pardon has effectively terminated his sentence with immediate effect.
The telecoms magnate was among individuals eligible for a royal pardon on June 3, coinciding with Her Majesty the Queen’s birthday. This eligibility was based on having less than one year remaining on his sentence at the time.
Future Plans and Legal Context
Reports suggest that Thaksin is expected to travel to Dubai this month for personal business matters. This city has served as his primary base of operations for over 15 years, during which he resided outside of Thailand before his return in August 2023.
Thaksin was initially imprisoned on September 9 of the previous year. This followed a Supreme Court order mandating him to serve a one-year sentence handed down in 2023. The conviction was for abuse of authority and conflict of interest during his tenure as prime minister prior to 2006. The court previously ruled that his extended stay in a VIP ward at the Police General Hospital between 2023 and 2024 did not count towards his prison time.
A legal representative for Thaksin was not immediately available for comment when approached for a statement.
