Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who is a defendant, was released on parole after serving six months of his one-year sentence, according to local media reports on Sunday.
Thaksin, 74, accompanied by his children, left the Police General Hospital in Bangkok at around 6 a.m. local time for his private residence in western Bangkok.
He served his sentence in hospital due to illness, after spending only a few hours in jail.
Thaksin is among a list of prisoners approved for parole by a Justice Ministry committee based on certain criteria, such as old age and health conditions.
Thaksin left the hospital wearing a mask and did not answer reporters’ questions.
He served as Thailand’s prime minister from February 2001 to September 2006, when he was ousted in a military coup while visiting the United States.
While in exile, his life was largely spent in Dubai. Thaksin was found guilty in absentia of corruption and several other charges. He was sentenced to eight years in prison.
Upon his return to Thailand in August last year, Thaksin was jailed but was soon transferred to a police hospital after complaining of chest tightness and high blood pressure.
King Maha Vajiralongkorn reduced Thaksin’s prison sentence to one year in September last year, citing Thaksin’s contribution to the country during his tenure as prime minister.
Thaksin’s stay in hospital sparked protests against the alleged preferential treatment given to him.