Former Thai PM Thaksin Granted Royal Pardon; Daughter Says Family 'Grateful and Overjoyed'
Thailand's Ministry of Justice announced on Wednesday that former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has been included in a royal pardon list issued by the King to celebrate the Queen's birthday. His remaining sentence has been commuted, and his electronic monitoring device has been removed, restoring his full freedom. Thaksin's daughter, Pintongta, expressed the family's gratitude and joy.
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- 📰 Published: June 3, 2026 at 16:46
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(CNA Bangkok, 3rd) Thailand's Ministry of Justice announced today that former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has been included in a royal pardon list issued by the King to celebrate the Queen's birthday. He has been granted a remission of his remaining sentence and can have his electronic ankle bracelet removed, restoring his full freedom. Thaksin's daughter, Pintongta, said the whole family is grateful and overjoyed at the news.
According to the royal pardon decree issued by the King to celebrate the Queen's birthday, eligible prisoners are granted amnesty. The Nation newspaper reported that Justice Minister Rutthaphon Naowarat confirmed that Thaksin has received the pardon and his electronic monitoring has been lifted.
Rutthaphon stated that Thaksin's remaining sentence was less than one year, meeting the requirements of the 2026 Royal Pardon Decree. He can be released immediately without serving the remainder of his sentence and is no longer required to be under parole supervision or report to relevant authorities regularly.
The Bangkok Post reported today that Thaksin's daughter, Pintongta Shinawatra Kunakornwong, said tearfully that the whole family is very grateful and overjoyed at the news.
She said, "I am happy for my father, for our family, and for all the other families who have received pardons."
Pintongta said she had spoken on the phone with her sister, former Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, and both felt relieved and overjoyed.
Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul congratulated Thaksin on the pardon this morning but declined to comment further. He stated that he learned of the pardon from news reports and said, "Today is an auspicious day, let's not talk about other matters."
Additionally, the Secretary-General of the Pheu Thai Party, which was founded by Thaksin, and current Education Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong, refuted claims that Thaksin might interfere in party affairs.
Thai PBS reported that Prasert described Thaksin's pardon as "exciting news" for all party members and key figures, emphasizing that "Thaksin has a long-standing connection with the Pheu Thai Party and is regarded as its spiritual leader." However, Prasert denied that Thaksin would guide the party's operations or policy direction, assuring the public that the Pheu Thai Party will operate under a strict institutional framework.
Prasert said Thaksin is a knowledgeable and experienced figure who has served as a national leader, so it is customary to seek his advice, adding that he would be very happy to consult Thaksin on certain matters if given the opportunity.
Thaksin, 76, had been serving a one-year sentence for a corruption case since September 2025 and was granted parole on May 11. With this pardon, his remaining sentence is commuted, and he is officially a free man. (Editor: Chen Huiping) 1150603
According to the royal pardon decree issued by the King to celebrate the Queen's birthday, eligible prisoners are granted amnesty. The Nation newspaper reported that Justice Minister Rutthaphon Naowarat confirmed that Thaksin has received the pardon and his electronic monitoring has been lifted.
Rutthaphon stated that Thaksin's remaining sentence was less than one year, meeting the requirements of the 2026 Royal Pardon Decree. He can be released immediately without serving the remainder of his sentence and is no longer required to be under parole supervision or report to relevant authorities regularly.
The Bangkok Post reported today that Thaksin's daughter, Pintongta Shinawatra Kunakornwong, said tearfully that the whole family is very grateful and overjoyed at the news.
She said, "I am happy for my father, for our family, and for all the other families who have received pardons."
Pintongta said she had spoken on the phone with her sister, former Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, and both felt relieved and overjoyed.
Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul congratulated Thaksin on the pardon this morning but declined to comment further. He stated that he learned of the pardon from news reports and said, "Today is an auspicious day, let's not talk about other matters."
Additionally, the Secretary-General of the Pheu Thai Party, which was founded by Thaksin, and current Education Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong, refuted claims that Thaksin might interfere in party affairs.
Thai PBS reported that Prasert described Thaksin's pardon as "exciting news" for all party members and key figures, emphasizing that "Thaksin has a long-standing connection with the Pheu Thai Party and is regarded as its spiritual leader." However, Prasert denied that Thaksin would guide the party's operations or policy direction, assuring the public that the Pheu Thai Party will operate under a strict institutional framework.
Prasert said Thaksin is a knowledgeable and experienced figure who has served as a national leader, so it is customary to seek his advice, adding that he would be very happy to consult Thaksin on certain matters if given the opportunity.
Thaksin, 76, had been serving a one-year sentence for a corruption case since September 2025 and was granted parole on May 11. With this pardon, his remaining sentence is commuted, and he is officially a free man. (Editor: Chen Huiping) 1150603
FAQ
Why was former PM Thaksin pardoned?
He was included in a royal pardon decree issued by the King to celebrate the Queen's birthday, as his remaining sentence was less than one year.
Can Thaksin engage in political activities now?
Legally, there are no restrictions, but the Pheu Thai Party has stated that Thaksin will not directly involve himself in party operations.
What impact will this pardon have on Thai politics?
In the short term, political risk is expected to decrease, but Thaksin's potential influence could also create new conflicts.