Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin to be released on February 18

"This will happen on the 18th," Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin told reporters on Saturday (February 17), adding that he did not know the details and "everything will follow the law."

Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra at Don Mueang airport in Bangkok, Thailand August 22, 2023. Photo: Reuters

Mr. Thaksin (74 years old) was Prime Minister of Thailand from 2001 - 2006. He has been detained since August last year after returning home after 15 years of exile abroad.

The Supreme Court of Thailand sentenced Mr. Thaksin to eight years in prison. His sentence was later reduced to one year by King Maha Vajiralongkorn of Thailand. He has now been detained in hospital for six months due to his health condition.

Despite the pardon, Mr Thaksin could face legal trouble as prosecutors are considering charging him with insulting the monarchy in a 2015 media interview.

Thaksin’s return home last year coincided with Srettha’s election as prime minister, leading many to speculate that the two had struck a deal to commute Thaksin’s prison sentence. This has been denied by Thaksin’s allies and his Pheu Thai Party.

Ngoc Anh (according to Reuters)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/cuu-thu-tuong-thai-lan-thaksin-se-duoc-tra-tu-do-vao-18-2-post284754.html