Royal pardon ends Thaksin's supervision, but legal and financial troubles persist

Nearly a month after his release from prison, former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has become a completely free man after authorities removed the electronic monitoring device he was required to wear following his release from jail.

Thaksin was among those granted a royal pardon on June 3 to mark the birthday of Queen Suthida of Thailand.

The telecom billionaire was released from prison last month after serving eight months of his one-year sentence. He had been convicted on charges of corruption and abuse of power.

No more supervision

Under the terms of his release, Thaksin was initially required to wear an electronic monitoring device for four months. However, Thailand's Department of Corrections announced that the device had been removed.

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"The prison issued the official release documents and certificate of discharge to Thaksin. He is no longer subject to criminal punishment, supervision, or related conditions," the department said in a statement cited by the South China Morning Post.

The department noted that the same standards had been applied to other eligible parolees. Royal pardons are common in Thailand and are often granted to prisoners with good conduct on royal occasions such as the birthdays of the king or queen.

Financial challenges loom

Although Thaksin is now completely free, significant financial challenges remain ahead. According to the report, he could face multiple bankruptcy-related proceedings after Thailand's Supreme Court upheld a tax assessment of approximately $534 million against him.

Investigators are reportedly tracing the former prime minister's assets in Thailand and overseas. Payment notices are expected to be issued in the coming months, and some assets could be seized to help settle the tax liability.

Uncertainty over political future

Questions also remain over Thaksin's political future. Several criminal cases are still pending against him, potentially limiting his ability to return to active politics or make public political speeches.

Upon his release, Thaksin reportedly joked, "I don't remember anything. I have Alzheimer's already."

Thaksin's Pheu Thai Party has been one of Thailand's most successful political forces in the 21st century. His family has produced four prime ministers and has traditionally enjoyed strong support among rural voters.

However, his popularity has come under increasing pressure in recent years, particularly following his imprisonment. Earlier this year, Pheu Thai recorded one of its poorest electoral performances, slipping to third place.

Meanwhile, Thaksin's conservative rivals are expected to consolidate elite support and challenge his political influence in an increasingly competitive political environment.