Thailand’s former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has been released early from prison after serving eight months of a reduced one-year sentence linked to corruption and abuse of power cases. The 76-year-old political heavyweight will remain on probation until September and wear an electronic monitor during parole. Thaksin, who dominated Thai politics for years through his populist politics and the powerful Shinawatra political dynasty, still faces pending legal cases. His release has once again brought attention to Thailand’s deeply polarised political landscape.

Updated - May 11, 2026 02:11 pm IST