Thaksin Shinawatra, Former Thai Prime Minister, Granted Parole

Former Prime Minister of Thailand, Thaksin Shinawatra, has been released on parole and has returned to his mansion in Bangkok. Thaksin, a billionaire, had been serving a one-year jail sentence for corruption and abuse of power at a police hospital. However, he did not spend a single night in jail due to health problems. Initially facing an eight-year prison term, Thailand's king commuted his sentence to one year shortly after his return from a 15-year self-imposed exile. The handling of the case has sparked criticism among the Thai population, with many accusing the country's elites of receiving preferential treatment. Thaksin, who is now 74 years old, was eligible for parole due to his age and health issues. It remains unclear whether he will be subjected to any conditions such as monitoring or travel restrictions. Thaksin, Thailand's most successful elected leader, has faced opposition from conservative royalists who have used military coups and legal cases to undermine his influence. After being overthrown by a coup in 2006, he went into exile in 2008, mostly residing in London or Dubai. Despite being loathed by Bangkok's wealthy elite, Thaksin remains popular among millions of rural Thais due to his populist policies. He was the first prime minister to complete a full term in office from 2001 to 2006.