In a significant development for Thailand's political landscape, Justice Minister Rutthapon Naowarat has confirmed that former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has been fully discharged from his sentence with immediate effect.
The discharge follows a royal pardon decree published in the official Royal Gazette this past Tuesday. According to Minister Rutthapon, the former Prime Minister met the necessary conditions of the decree, effectively removing the requirement for him to remain under probation until September 9.
The Justice Minister further explained that because the remaining portion of Thaksin's sentence was less than one year, the decree allowed for his immediate discharge a day after its publication.
This latest development follows Thaksin's release from Klong Prem Central Prison on May 11. At that time, he had been granted parole to serve the final four months of a one-year sentence, a period during which he was required to wear an electronic monitoring device and report monthly to a probation office.
Despite the royal pardon, the physical removal of the monitoring device is not instantaneous. Thai media reports indicate that the process awaits a review by a three-member committee established under the decree. This committee has up to 120 days to verify eligible recipients and complete the necessary documentation.
Before the device can be removed, Thaksin must receive a certificate of clearance. This document serves as legal proof of his lawful discharge and is essential for updating his criminal record and facilitating future international travel.
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Justice minister: Former Thai PM Thaksin discharged under royal pardon
cgtn.com
