Thai Minister of Justice Rutthapol Naowarat announced on 3/6 that former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra was included in a list of individuals granted royal pardons for Queen Suthida's birthday. He qualified for immediate full release because his remaining sentence was less than one year.

Thaksin, 76, received early release in May under the condition that he wear an electronic monitoring device until the completion of his 4-month probation, which was scheduled to end on 9/9.

According to Thai media, removing the monitoring device theoretically required review by a three-member committee, as stipulated by decree. This committee had a maximum of 120 days to verify eligible individuals and complete the necessary paperwork.

Former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra is greeted upon leaving Klong Prem Central Prison in Bangkok on 11/5. *Reuters*

However, Minister Rutthapol stated that in Thaksin's case, the electronic monitoring device could be removed immediately. The former Thai prime minister is also no longer required to report regularly to probation authorities.

Thaksin still needs to receive a certificate of completion of his sentence, a legal document confirming his lawful release. This document could impact his criminal record and his ability to travel internationally.

Thaksin served as prime minister of Thailand from 2001 but was overthrown in a military coup in 2006. He returned to Thailand in 8/2023 after more than a decade in exile.

The former prime minister was sentenced to 8 years in prison for abuse of power but had his term commuted to one year through a royal pardon. However, he spent only a few hours in prison before being transferred to a hospital due to heart pain and chest tightness. He received a pardon after spending 6 months in a hospital VIP room.

The Supreme Court of Thailand ruled in 9/2025 that the transfer of former prime minister Thaksin from prison to hospital for treatment in 2023 was unlawful. He was sent to prison to serve his full term but was released early in early May.

Thanh Danh (According to Thai Inquirer, China Daily, AA)