HM the King Grants Royal Pardon to Thaksin

[reader]

From Thailand News Agency

BANGKOK, Sept 1 (TNA) – His Majesty the King has granted a royal pardon to ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra, reducing his prison sentence from eight years to one year.

The 74-year-old Thaksin returned to Thailand from 15 years of self-imposed exile on Aug 22. He was sent to Bangkok Remand Prison on the same day to serve an eight-year prison sentence for abuse of power and conflicts of interest.

He was transferred to the Police General Hospital on the first night in jail due to his illnesses including chest pain and hypertension and has remained hospitalized since then.

Outgoing deputy prime minister and justice minister Wissanu Krea-ngam yesterday disclosed that Thaksin’s formal application for a royal pardon had been filed. (TNA)

 

 

[vinapu]

now he needs somehow to figure out how to leave hospital without returning to his comfy cell at Bangkok Hilton. House arrest perhaps?

[forky123]

Seems to me that all of this was agreed in advance of him returning to Thailand. Would he really have come back if he knew he'd spend years in prison?

[omega]

39 minutes ago, forky123 said:

Seems to me that all of this was agreed in advance of him returning to Thailand. Would he really have come back if he knew he'd spend years in prison?

Yup. This.

 

Deals were made.

[reader]

2 hours ago, vinapu said:

now he needs somehow to figure out how to leave hospital without returning to his comfy cell at Bangkok Hilton. House arrest perhaps?

Suspended sentence due to age and health?

[vinapu]

32 minutes ago, reader said:

Suspended sentence due to age and health?

that's another solution. We should know soon

[fedssocr]

I guess he can get parole in a couple of months. So he might just stay in the cushy hospital until then

[PeterRS]

It was almost certainly a deal done and negotiated before he arrived. Remember his return was delayed once if not twice? Dotting of is and ts so he was 100% sure it was genuine. He would never have returned if he had thought for even one second he might spend his 70s in jail. Never!

[Keithambrose]

Ground has been laid for early release on the basis of ill health!

[reader]

It is written.

From Thai PBS World

Further clemency for Thaksin

Convicted former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, like other inmates, will be eligible for further royal clemency on important occasions, out-going Justice Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam told Thai PBS.

Thaksin’s eight-year prison term on three convictions has already been reduced from eight to one year, by virtue of a commutation granted by HM the King.

Wissanu said that, on important occasions, many well-behaved and severely ill prisoners serving only one year are granted Royal pardons and Thaksin could be one of them.

He quickly added, however, that he has no idea whether the Thaksin will be among those granted royal pardons.

Meanwhile, a Corrections Department source said that, after serving two-thirds of his one-year jail term, Thaksin might have the remaining term suspended and be conditionally released.

[TotallyOz]

Shocking I tell you. Absolutely shocking! Never would I have guessed he would return when his party took over and get a good deal.

[vinapu]

3 hours ago, reader said:

 

Wissanu said that, on important occasions, many well-behaved and severely ill prisoners serving only one year are granted Royal pardons and Thaksin could be one of them.

 

by end of this month we should see it is my guess

[PeterRS]

16 hours ago, reader said:

It is written.

From Thai PBS World

He quickly added, however, that he has no idea whether the Thaksin will be among those granted royal pardons.

He has no idea? That has to be the joke of the month!

[reader]

Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra may be eligible for parole in four months as he is an elderly inmate with chronic health problems, a source from the Justice Ministry said on Sunday.

The source explained that the 2007 Corrections Act requires an inmate to serve at least a third of the sentence to be eligible for bail.

His Majesty the King has granted clemency to Thaksin, commuting his eight-year sentence over three cases to one year. The clemency was published in the Royal Gazette on Friday. Under this, the former premier will have to serve at least four months before he can ask for release.

The source said if Thaksin’s parole is approved, he will be taken to meet parole officials within three days. The officials will then set the dates for Thaksin to report to parole officials every month.

Parole officers will also determine whether Thaksin will be required to wear an electronic monitoring device. A source said that Thaksin will likely be exempted from wearing a monitoring device as he has several chronic health problems.

Besides, the source said, Thaksin once served as a prime minister and has returned home to face justice without making any attempts to flee.

The source added that Thaksin’s jail term could be further reduced, resulting in his release when Thailand marks important dates related to the monarchy, such as the death anniversary of beloved King Rama IX on October 13 or his birthday on December 5, which is also marked as National Father's Day.

[Keithambrose]

Gosh, what a surprise!

[vinapu]

11 hours ago, PeterRS said:

He has no idea? That has to be the joke of the month!

wait for more , Sept just started

[TotallyOz]

6 hours ago, vinapu said:

wait for more , Sept just started

Such an optimist. It is done, it is over. Nothing more can possibly be done. Right? Gifts a plenty but it ain't Christmas.

HoHoHo

[reader]

From Thai PBS World

Thaksin Shinawatra, who is currently serving a prison sentence, underwent surgery last week and is in recovery, according to his youngest daughter Paetongtarn today (Tuesday).

She declined to disclose any other details, saying she would consult with his doctors who would be the best people to explain the reason for the operation.

Thaksin has been receiving medical treatment at the Police Hospital for almost a month, after being sentenced on three corruption convictions. His eight-year prison time was commuted to one year by HM the King.

[reader]

PM sees role for Thaksin in new government

From The Thaiger

Former Thailand Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is expected to be granted parole as early as the latter part of February next year, following a reduction of his original eight-year prison term to a single year. This update was provided by a high-ranking official from the Department of Corrections.

The 74 year old former prime minister made his way back to Thailand last month, marking an end to 15 years of self-imposed exile. This period of exile followed his ousting from power back in 2006. While he was overseas, Thaksin was declared guilty, in his absence, on three counts relating to the abuse of power, conflict of interest, and malfeasance.

Immediately upon his return to Thailand, Thaksin was admitted to a police hospital. He was suffering from high blood pressure and chest pains. He is presently receiving treatment in the same hospital.

Sitthi Sutivong, the Deputy Director General of the Corrections Department, provided some insight into the situation.

“After serving six months of his sentence, Thaksin will be eligible for parole. This is applicable for prisoners older than 70 or those who are ill.”

Sitthi also clarified the process involved in these cases. He stated that each case is assessed individually by the Corrections Department. Furthermore, there is no requirement for a petition to be filed for parole.