Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin could be pardoned next month

Thaksin Shinawatra was hospitalized with high blood pressure and chest pains shortly after returning to his country in August last year after 15 years in exile. He was sentenced to eight years in prison for abuse of power, but the sentence was reduced to one year by a royal pardon.

Mr. Thaksin Shinawatra returned to Bangkok on August 22, 2023

Last week, the Department of Corrections extended Thaksin's stay at a police hospital because he needed more medical attention. At a press conference on January 17, Deputy Director General Sitthi Sutivong said that "based on the criteria, Thaksin is eligible for a special pardon." Mr. Sitthi said that Thaksin, 75, is eligible for pardon because of his age and illness, according to the Bangkok Post .

However, prisoners do not have the right to request; only prison leaders decide, on a monthly basis. Mr. Sitthi said his agency has not yet received any official request from the leadership of Bangkok Detention Center, where Mr. Thaksin is being held.

Mr Thaksin lost power in a coup in 2006. He was accused of corruption and abuse of power. He was convicted in absentia in 2008. His sister, Yingluck Shinawatra, was also prime minister and was ousted in a coup in 2014.

In August 2023, he returned to the country on a private plane and was immediately escorted by police to court and then to prison. That same night, Mr. Thaksin was taken from prison to a police hospital for health reasons. The former Thai Prime Minister is said to have undergone surgery and has been in hospital ever since.

Last month, Senator Somchai Sawangkarn, chairman of the Thai Senate's human rights , civil liberties and consumer protection committee, confirmed that Mr Thaksin could still receive a sentence reduction and amnesty in February.

Mr. Somchai said that according to the regulations, prisoners can be granted special pardon if they complete one-third of their sentence. As of December 20, 2023, Mr. Thaksin has completed that condition, while by next February he will have completed half of his sentence. The lawmaker said Mr. Thaksin is eligible for a suspended sentence after six months of serving his sentence because he is an elderly person with a chronic illness. In addition, the former prime minister will not have to wear a monitoring device.

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