Thailand's royal palace announced that King Maha Vajiralongkorn has commuted former Prime Minister Thaksin's sentence to one year in prison.
"Mr. Thaksin respected the process, pleaded guilty, showed remorse and accepted the court's decision. Mr. Thaksin is now old, sick and needs medical care," the Thai Royal Palace announced on September 1.
The Thai royal palace said King Maha Vajiralongkorn had commuted Thaksin's sentence from eight to one year in prison. "Mr. Thaksin, as prime minister, has done good things for the country and its people and is a loyal person," the statement said.
The decision came a day after the family applied for a royal pardon on behalf of Mr Thaksin, 74, for violations committed during his time as Thailand's prime minister.
Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra at Don Mueang Airport, Bangkok, Thailand on August 22. Photo: AFP
The Thai king has the power to pardon anyone convicted of any crime. Experts say the possibility of a pardon is part of what motivated Mr Thaksin to return home.
Nastee Thongplad, director of Bangkok Remand Prison, where Mr Thaksin is serving his sentence, said pardon applications must include the applicant's contributions and health status.
According to the procedure, this application is sent from the prison to the Department of Corrections, then to the Ministry of Justice and the Prime Minister of Thailand. The Prime Minister of Thailand will then present the application to King Maha Vajiralongkorn.
Mr. Thaksin returned to Vietnam on August 22 after 15 years in exile. He was immediately transferred to Bangkok Remand Prison in the Klong Prem prison complex, after a court sentenced him to eight years on charges of abuse of power and conflict of interest.
In the early morning of August 23, he was transferred to the hospital due to a series of health problems. Former Prime Minister Thaksin is still being treated at the Police General Hospital and will not be transferred.
Mr Thaksin served as prime minister of Thailand since 2001 but was ousted in a military coup in 2006. He then left the country, living in exile since 2008 to avoid jail time related to corruption charges.
The former prime minister has denied the charges, saying they are politically motivated. Mr Thaksin remains popular among many Thais for his policies that transformed rural life.
Srettha Thavisin, a representative of the Pheu Thai Party, which is affiliated with Thaksin's family, became Thailand's new prime minister on August 22. Srettha's cabinet could begin work around mid-September.
Thanh Danh (According to AFP, Reuters )
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