Former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra freed early from parole after receiving royal pardon

Thaksin Shinawatra, Thailand's former prime minister, is now free after the royal pardon granted him early release from parole, ending his legal troubles stemming from a prison sentence. This move has significant political implications as Thaksin remains a polarizing figure, with strong support from the rural poor but viewed as a threat by the elite and royalists. The pardon underscores the influence of the monarchy in Thai politics and could reshape the country's political landscape as Thaksin contemplates a return to active political roles.