Thailand's king reduces former Prime Minister Thaksin's 8-year prison term to a single year
Thailand’s king has reduced former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's eight-year prison term to a single year following the divisive politician’s return from 15 years of self-imposed exile BANGKOK -- Thailand’s king on Friday reduce d former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's eight -year prison term to a single year following the divisive politician's return last week from 15 years of self-imposed exile. The decision by King Maha Vajiralongkorn was published in the Royal Gazette, making it effective immediately. Thailand is a constitutional monarchy, giving the king the final word on pardons of convicted criminals. Thaksin was ousted as prime minister in a Military coup in 2006 and accused of corruption, abuse of power and disrespecting the monarchy. He fled Thailand in 2008 when he faced prison time on charges he described as politically motivated. It is widely believed that Thaksin, 74, returned out of hope that a new government friendly to him would reduce his s...