Thaksin Shinawatra Granted Royal Pardon in Thailand

Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra will have his parole conclude early due to a royal pardon, ending on August 18 instead of the previously scheduled end of the month. This decision is part of a broader royal amnesty granted to approximately 7,500 prisoners for good conduct, coinciding with King Maha Vajiralongkorn's recent birthday celebrations. Thaksin, who returned to Thailand last August after 15 years in self-exile, had his original eight-year sentence for corruption commuted to one year, and he has not served time in prison but rather in a hospital. His daughter, Paetongtarn, recently became Thailand's youngest prime minister, further linking the family's political legacy to current events. Despite his release, Thaksin still faces ongoing legal issues, including a charge of lese-majeste from a past interview. The royal pardon reflects a royal gesture of mercy and aims to reintegrate well-behaved prisoners into society.