Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn has refused to grant a pardon but opted to reduced the prison sentence of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra from eight years to one.
Thaksin had requested a royal pardon from his eight year conviction on charges of graft and abuse of power.
But the statement from the palace explained that the sentence reduction was based on Thanksin’s service as former Prime Minister, loyalty to the Monarchy and his current state of health.
Thaksin founded the ruling Pheu Thai party and was ousted in a coup 17 years ago.
