Royal Pardon for Thailand's Former Prime Minister Amid Political Shifts

Thailand's former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra received a royal pardon reducing his parole by two weeks. This comes amid significant political changes, including his daughter's election as the new premier. Thaksin's political influence and his family's involvement in Thai politics have long been central to the country's power dynamics.

Thailand's billionaire former Prime Minister, Thaksin Shinawatra, has received a royal pardon shortening his parole by two weeks, according to his lawyer on Saturday. This announcement arrives just a day after Thaksin's daughter was elected premier by parliament.

For two decades, Thaksin has stood at the heart of a power struggle between the Shinawatra family and a nexus comprising royalists, generals, and old-money families who have long influenced Thai institutions. Following his dramatic return from self-exile last August, Thaksin served six months in hospital detention due to health reasons before being released on parole in February.

Thaksin was initially sentenced to eight years in prison for abuse of power during his term from 2001 to 2006. The sentence was commuted to one year by King Maha Vajiralongkorn last September. His lawyer, Winyat Chartmontri, stated that Thaksin is among the inmates granted a royal pardon in honour of the king's birthday, which will take effect on Sunday. Meanwhile, his daughter Paetongtarn Shinawatra has been elected as Thailand's second female prime minister, marking the third time a Shinawatra has held the office.

(With inputs from agencies.)