Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra was released from prison on Monday, May 11, 2026, after serving about eight months behind bars following a court decision related to his extended hospital stay.
The 76-year-old billionaire and influential political figure, who has shaped Thai politics for more than two decades, left Bangkok’s Klong Prem Central Prison around 7:40 a.m. local time.
Dressed in a plain white shirt with closely cropped hair, Thaksin was welcomed by family members and supporters gathered outside the prison. Among those present was his daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who had previously served as prime minister before being removed from office by a court ruling last August.
Supporters outside the prison cheered and chanted messages of support as Thaksin greeted them following his release on parole after serving roughly two-thirds of his reduced sentence.
Thaksin returned to Thailand in 2023 after 15 years in self-imposed exile to begin serving an eight-year prison sentence linked to abuse of power and conflicts of interest during his tenure as prime minister between 2001 and 2006. However, the sentence was later reduced to one year by the king.
Shortly after returning to prison following his arrival in Thailand, Thaksin was transferred to hospital after reporting chest pains and heart-related health concerns. He subsequently remained in a VIP hospital ward for several months before being granted parole.
Last September, Thailand’s Supreme Court ruled that the time spent in hospital should count as prison time, determining that Thaksin and his doctors had intentionally extended his hospital stay through unnecessary minor procedures.
Authorities have stated that he will remain under supervision and must wear an electronic ankle monitor for the rest of his sentence.
Some supporters continue to defend the former leader, arguing that his policies significantly improved living conditions for ordinary people during his years in office.
