Thaksin Shinawatra Seeks Royal Pardon Amid Continued Political Turmoil

Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has submitted a petition for royal pardon regarding his one-year jail sentence, according to his lawyer. Thaksin was jailed following a Supreme Court decision confirming he did not serve his original sentence, having spent time at a VIP hospital after returning from self-exile in August.

Initially sentenced to eight years for conflicts of interest and abuse of power during his term from 2001 to 2006, Thaksin's sentence was reduced to one year by royal commutation. The pardon process could further reduce his sentence, a standard mechanism for prisoners who have concluded their legal proceedings.

Thaksin's political influence has been notable for three decades, with his administrations frequently upended by court decisions and military coups. The recent political scenario includes the dismissal of Thaksin's daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, as Prime Minister, leading to Anutin Charnvirakul's rise to power.

(With inputs from agencies.)