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Thailand's divisive ex-PM is out of jail, but is the Thaksin era over?
Former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who spent years in exile and eight months in jail, was released from Bangkok prison at age 76 while wearing an ankle bracelet. The release comes amid a reshaped political landscape after a February 2026 election and court actions affecting his party, raising questions about his ongoing influence and whether the Thaksin era is ending.
Why It Matters
The development highlights ongoing political divisions in Thailand and the enduring influence of Thaksin. It also signals the challenges facing his party, Pheu Thai, as it navigates a changed coalition government and a new legal-political environment.
Timeline
8 Events
Release from prison
May 11, 2026
Thaksin Shinawatra was released from prison in Bangkok at age 76, wearing an electronic ankle bracelet, after serving part of a one-year sentence for corruption and abuses of power during his 2001–2006 terms as prime minister.
Constitutional Court ruling on Paetongtarn
April 2026
Less than two weeks before May 11, 2026, the Constitutional Court dismissed Paetongtarn Shinawatra as prime minister over a leaked phone conversation with Hun Sen.
February 2026 general election results
February 2026
Pheu Thai, Thaksin's party, suffered its worst-ever result in the February 2026 general election, finishing third behind the reformist People's Party and the conservative Bhumjaithai party.
Jailed after ruling about hospital stay
September 2025
In September 2025, the Supreme Court ruled that the six months Thaksin spent in a police hospital after his return were a ruse to avoid serving his sentence, leading to his imprisonment for part of the one-year sentence.
Return from exile amid a 'grand bargain'
2023
Thaksin returned to Thailand in 2023 after what was described as an apparent 'grand bargain' with royalist forces, allowing him to direct his party from within the country.
Coup in 2014
2014
Another coup occurred in 2014, contributing to years of political upheaval affecting Thaksin's allies.
Thaksin deposed by a coup
September 2006
Thaksin was deposed from the premiership by a military coup in September 2006.
Thaksin Shinawatra becomes prime minister
January 2001
Thaksin Shinawatra swept to power as prime minister, beginning his first term that would last until 2006.