Pheu Thai founder’s return stirs hopes among supporters, fears among elites

Last updated: May 11, 2026 | 02:43

Thailand's former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra arrives at the Supreme Court in Bangkok on September 9, 2025, ahead of a ruling on whether he properly served a prison term in 2023. AFP

Thailand's former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra is set to be released early from prison on Monday, raising the prospect of a return to the spotlight for the political heavyweight.

The 76-year-old telecoms billionaire has been serving a one-year prison sentence for corruption since September.

He is due to be paroled Monday morning, with the requirement to wear an electronic monitor until his probation ends in four months.

Populist

Thaksin's political machine has for two decades been a key rival of Thailand's pro-military, pro-royalty elite who view his populist brand as a threat to the traditional social order.

His Pheu Thai party, and its earlier iterations, was the country's most successful party of…