Thai King commutes Thaksin's prison sentence

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 and sick and needs to be cared for by medical professionals," the Thai Royal Palace announced on September 1.

Thailand's royal palace said King Maha Vajiralongkorn had commuted Mr 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 man," the statement said.

The decision came a day after the family applied for a royal pardon on behalf of 74-year-old Thaksin 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 — 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 prospect of a pardon is part of what prompted 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 of 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 from 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, who say his policies transformed rural life.

Srettha Thavisin, a representative of the Pheu Thai Party linked to Mr. Thaksin's family, became Thailand's new prime minister on August 22. Mr. Srettha's cabinet could begin work around mid-September.

Thanh Danh (According to AFP, Reuters )

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