Thai Ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra Becomes Fully Free After Royal Pardon

Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is now fully free after completing his 4-month parole. He was pardoned by the King, ending his sentence for corruption and other offenses earlier than expected.

Wed Jun 03 2026

Thaksin Shinawatra Fully Freed After Royal Pardon

Thaksin Shinawatra, the former Prime Minister of Thailand, has officially completed all obligations related to his prison sentence. A royal decree ended his four-month probation early, making him fully free. Thailand's Justice Minister stated on Wednesday that Thaksin was among those covered by a royal pardon on the occasion of the Queen's birthday. Thaksin was serving a one-year sentence for corruption and other offenses, having returned to Thailand in August 2023 after 15 years of self-imposed exile. He was initially jailed but transferred to a hospital due to health issues, then released on parole in February.

Impact on Thai Politics Anticipated

Thaksin has been an influential figure in Thai politics for decades, even after being ousted by a coup in 2006. His return was met with enthusiastic support from his followers. The pro-Thaksin Pheu Thai Party is currently a key part of the ruling coalition, despite losing a significant number of parliamentary seats in the February election. A Pheu Thai official indicated that the party might seek Thaksin's advice on certain matters, but stressed he would not be involved in any of the party's decision-making. His full freedom, however, is expected to bring new dynamics to the Thai political landscape.

*Source: YouTube: NHK World-Japan (2026-06-03)*

Tags: #Thailand #ThaksinShinawatra #Politics #Pardon #PheuThaiParty