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Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra was released from prison on parole early Sunday, ending a six-month detention period following his return to the country last year. The 74-year-old billionaire, who spent 15 years in self-imposed exile, was granted early release due to his age and health condition.

Thaksin Shinawatra departed the Police General Hospital in Bangkok shortly before dawn on Sunday, returning to his residence in the capital. His release comes after the Ministry of Justice approved his parole application, citing his status as an inmate over the age of 70 suffering from serious illness. Thaksin had been receiving medical treatment at the hospital since his first night back in Thailand in August 2023, having been transferred from prison due to chest pains and high blood pressure.

The former prime minister’s return to Thailand coincided with the Pheu Thai Party—a political entity closely linked to his family—forming a coalition government. Upon his arrival last year, Thaksin was immediately taken into custody to serve an eight-year sentence for corruption and abuse of power dating back to his time in office. However, King Maha Vajiralongkorn commuted the sentence to one year shortly after Thaksin’s return, paving the way for his eventual parole eligibility after serving at least six months or one-third of his term.

Thaksin Shinawatra remains one of the most influential and polarizing figures in modern Thai history. He served as prime minister from 2001 until he was ousted in a military coup in 2006. Despite his long absence from the country to avoid legal charges he claimed were politically motivated, he maintained a significant following and continued to play a major role in Thai politics through various proxy parties.

While the terms of his parole have not been fully disclosed to the public, officials indicated that he will be subject to monitoring and travel restrictions. His release occurs at a delicate time for the current administration led by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. Analysts suggest that Thaksin's presence on Thai soil may influence the internal dynamics of the ruling coalition, though he is technically barred from holding political office. The legal proceedings and subsequent release have drawn mixed reactions from the public, highlighting the deep political divisions that have characterized Thailand for nearly two decades.