Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin released on parole after partly serving one-year sentence

Added: 2026-05-18

[00:00:00]Now, Thailand's former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has been released from prison early on parole. He served 8 months of a 1-year sentence on a corruption-related conviction.

[00:00:11]Family members and supporters greeted the ex-leader this morning as he left the prison in Bangkok. CNA's Saksith Saiyasombut has more.

[00:00:20]Free at last, the end of an ordeal, back in the embrace of his family. That is at least the mood for the Shinawatra family as the patriarch, the former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin, is leaving prison on parole.

[00:00:32]But a few steps further reveal that it is more than just a family reunion.

[00:00:36]Hundreds of well-wishing red shirts, supporters that once went on the streets for him, also wanted to catch a glimpse of the political idol.

[00:00:44]The release of former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra does not mark the end of his prison term. He will be on probation for the next 4 months.

[00:00:51]During that time, he won't be allowed to leave his residence, which is a large villa on the outskirts of Bangkok without an official permission. He's also required to wear an electronic tracker around his ankle, which we understand he will protest against, citing his old age of 76, poor health, and low flight risk. These conditions will expire in September, which is exactly a year after he was sentenced to prison. During that time, he saw his Pheu Thai party and his daughter Paetongtarn not only getting toppled from government, but also its rival Bhumjaithai taking over power and demoting Pheu Thai to a junior coalition partner. At the very least, with Thaksin's nephew Yochana Wongsuwan, the Shinawatra clan still has a foot in the door to the halls of power.

[00:01:33]This marks another chapter in the turbulent life of, arguably, for better or worse, one of the most influential figures in Thai politics in this century so far. But his legal troubles are far from over. Last year's acquittal for lese-majesty has been appealed by the prosecutors, and Thaksin might get dragged to court again for other cases stemming from past controversies when he was still in power. Something many are sure of though is that Thaksin still wants to be in control of what's very likely to be the last chapter of his political life. But many question though is that how much involved he will be in the clandestine wheeling and dealing of Thai politics and how much influence he still has to turn things into his favor.

[00:02:15]But given his colorful life, many doubt that he will quietly fade from public view.

[00:02:20]Sakset Saowapa, CNA, Bangkok.