Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin let out of prison early

"Thaksin walked free from Klong Prem Central Prison in Bangkok around 7:40 a.m. local time (00:40 UCT). He hugged waiting family members and greeted the several hundred supporters wearing the signature red shirts of Thaksin's Pheu Thai party who had gathered outside of the jail. Thaksin and parties tied to him have heavily influenced Thai politics for over two decades"

"The corrections department announced Thaksin's parole in April, citing his age and that he had less than a year left to serve as reasons for early release. He will be required to wear an electronic monitor during his four-month probation period. Thaksin will return to the Shinawatra family home in Thonburi, just south of the capital Bangkok, according to the Thai Examiner."

"He was first elected as prime minister in 2001 on the back of populist promises of prosperity for the rural poor. Reelected by an overwhelming majority in 2005, he was ousted in a military coup in 2006. He fled Thailand in 2008 after found guilty of conflict of interest, abuse of power and corruption during his time in office."

"Upon his return to Thailand in 2023, he was sentenced to an eight-year prison term. But he was only in prison for a few hours before complaining of chest pains and was moved to a hospital. He spent six months there before being freed on parole. The king later commuted his sentence to one year."

Thaksin Shinawatra was released from Klong Prem Central Prison in Bangkok on parole after a Supreme Court order requiring one year in prison for a past corruption conviction. He left the prison around 7:40 a.m. local time, hugged family members, and greeted supporters wearing red shirts associated with his Pheu Thai party. The corrections department announced his parole in April, citing his age and that he had less than a year left to serve. He must wear an electronic monitor during a four-month probation period and will return to the Shinawatra family home in Thonburi. His political influence has shaped Thai politics for over two decades, including his rise as prime minister in 2001, removal in a 2006 coup, exile in 2008, and later imprisonment and parole after returning in 2023.

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