Thailand's Former PM Thaksin Shinawatra Released from Prison

Thailand's former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra was released from prison on Monday after serving eight months of a one-year sentence for corruption. The 76-year-old telecoms billionaire will be required to wear an electronic monitor during his four-month probation period.

Mr. Thaksin was greeted by several hundred supporters outside the Bangkok jail, where he hugged family members and told reporters he felt "relief" after his release.

The release of Mr. Thaksin has raised the prospect of a return to the spotlight for the political heavyweight, who has other pending criminal cases against him.

The corrections department announced Mr. Thaksin's parole last month, citing his age and the fact that he had less than a year left to serve as reasons for early release.

The court will resume its consideration of Mr. Thaksin's pending cases, and his political future remains uncertain, with analysts suggesting he may avoid making public speeches to avoid further prosecution.