Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkunh cut the prison sentence for former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who returned from exile 10 days ago, to one year.
Instead of eight years, the 74-year-old billionaire will now onlyserve one year in prison, a statement from the royal house said onFriday. Thaksin's return to his homeland in late August after 15 years in exile came as real estate tycoon Srettha Thavisin was elected as the country's new prime minister.
The newly elected prime minister is head of the Pheu Thai party, which was founded by Thaksin.
Thaksin, who made his fortune in the telecoms industry, was elected prime minister in 2001 but was overthrown in a military coup in 2006.
He was later accused of corruption, and abuse of power as well as disrespecting the monarchy.
He fled the country to avoid imprisonment and lived in exile, mainly in Dubai.
Upon his return, the prominent Thai politician was immediately taken to court and then to jail but was moved to a police hospital shortly afterward for chest pains and high blood pressure.
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