Thaksin Shinawatra Granted Royal Pardon
Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has been granted a royal pardon, leading to the immediate termination of his remaining prison sentence. Justice Minister Pol Lt Gen Rutthapon confirmed that Thaksin’s name was included on the list of recipients for the royal pardon, coinciding with a significant royal birthday anniversary.
Immediate Release and Sentence Completion
According to the justice minister, the pardon means Thaksin is released from his sentence without delay. This is attributed to Section 8 of the Royal Decree on Royal Pardons, which allows for immediate release if less than one year of a sentence remains. Thaksin was serving a one-year term, and with less than a month and 10 days outstanding, the pardon takes immediate effect.
The former premier was previously on a four-month probationary parole, which commenced on May 11 and was slated to conclude on September 9, 2026. This parole required monthly check-ins with his probation officer. The royal pardon effectively ends this probation period, removing the obligation to report and negating the need to wait for the original sentence expiration date.
Electronic Tag Removal
In addition to his release from the sentence, the justice minister also confirmed that the electronic monitoring tag worn by Thaksin would be removed immediately, following the procedural steps for pardon implementation.
Prime Minister’s Remarks
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul acknowledged the news of the royal pardon granted to Thaksin. Speaking at Sanam Luang, Prime Minister Anutin stated he learned of the pardon through news reports and extended his congratulations to his predecessor. He described June 3 as an auspicious day and indicated a desire to focus on the day’s celebrations rather than other matters.
The Prime Minister also extended an invitation to the public to participate in a candle-lighting ceremony at Sanam Luang that evening, in honor of Her Majesty the Queen’s 48th birthday anniversary. He urged citizens nationwide to join in offering well wishes for the Queen’s long life and good health.
Background of Thaksin’s Sentence
Thaksin Shinawatra, aged 76, began serving his one-year sentence on September 9 of last year. The sentence was ordered by the Supreme Court for charges related to abuse of authority and conflict of interest during his tenure as prime minister before 2006. The court had previously ruled that his extended stay in a VIP hospital ward, from 2023 to 2024, did not count towards his prison time. The transfer from Bangkok Remand Prison to the Police General Hospital shortly after his arrival, following a complaint of chest pain, was also deemed illegitimate by the court.
The Supreme Court’s decision on August 22, 2023, mandated that Thaksin serve the one-year imprisonment to which he had been sentenced two years prior.
