Just six months after making a stunning comeback to the kingdom following a 15-year self-imposed exile, former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra returned home early on Sunday from a police hospital in Bangkok.
Upon his return in August, the controversial billionaire—who had been twice elected premier before being overthrown in a military coup in 2006—was sentenced to eight years in prison for graft and abuse of authority.
However, King Maha Vajiralongkorn shortened his sentence to one year shortly after he returned, and the government said last week that the 74-year-old was qualified for an early release due to his advanced age and good health.
After spending the previous six months in a police hospital in central Bangkok, Thaksin was driven out on Sunday while sitting next to his daughters Paetongtarn and Pintongta and sporting a neck brace.
A small group of demonstrators had assembled in front of the hospital to oppose his release.
After that, the vehicle arrived at Thaksin’s house, where the gates were adorned with a welcome-home banner.
Although the specifics of his release are unclear, Thaksin might be subject to monitoring—possibly with an ankle tag—and travel limitations.
The former Manchester City owner’s arrival in Thailand came on the same day his Pheu Thai party returned to government in alliance with pro-military parties, leading many to conclude that a backroom deal had been struck to cut his jail time.
When he was moved to a police hospital a few hours after being sentenced due to his health, the rumors gained more traction.
When he was brought to the hospital, it was stated that he had high blood pressure and tightness in his chest. According to his family, he had two operations in the months that followed.
The government has denied any deal and Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, of the Pheu Thai party, has insisted “he already served his jail time” — although it is not clear that Thaksin has spent any time in a prison cell.
