BANGKOK, Sept 1 — Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn reduced former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s eight-year jail term to one year, the Royal Gazette said today.
The pardon was announced a day after Thaksin’s request.
The Royal Gazette said Thaksin was a prime minister who had done good for the country, and the people and was loyal to the monarchy.
It said Thaksin respected the process, admitted his guilt, and accepted the court’s verdict.
“He (Thaksin) is old and has health issues that need treatment from medical professionals.
“His Majesty graciously granted forgiveness and reduced the sentence to one year so that he (Thaksin) could use his knowledge and experiences to help the country, society, and the people,” it said.
The 74-year-old Thaksin returned to Thailand on Aug 22 after a 15-year self-imposed exile. On the same day, the Supreme Court sentenced the former prime minister to eight years in prison for corruption charges.
He was hospitalised at Police General Hospital for health problems a few hours into his first night in the Bangkok Remand Prison. Thaksin complained of chest pains, high blood pressure, low blood oxygen level, and insomnia when detained at the prison medical ward.
Earlier this week, an anti-Thaksin group had lodged a complaint with the Corrections Department opposing Thaksin’s attempt to seek a royal pardon, arguing that there should be no clemency for corruption cases because they have gravely damaged the country’s governance and reputation.
