Bangkok, May 11 (V7N)- Former Thaksin Shinawatra was released on parole from prison on Monday after serving eight months of his sentence, drawing crowds of supporters and political allies outside a prison in the Thai capital.

According to Reuters, hundreds of supporters gathered outside Bangkok’s Klong Prem Prison to welcome the 76-year-old political heavyweight upon his release.

Thaksin appeared outside the prison with short hair, dressed in a white shirt and blue pants. He smiled and embraced family members, including his daughter Paetongtarn Shinawatra.

Thaksin was convicted on charges related to abuse of power, conflict of interest, and irregularities involving a state lottery project during his tenure as prime minister from 2001 to 2006. He was originally sentenced to eight years in prison.

The former premier returned to Thailand in 2023 after spending 15 years in self-imposed exile abroad. Following his return, the prison sentence was later reduced from eight years to one year by royal clemency.

He initially served part of his sentence at a special hospital before authorities ordered him back to prison.

In April, prison authorities approved his parole considering his age and good behavior. Officials said he would remain under supervision for the next four months following his release.

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