King Vajiralongkorn has granted a royal pardon to the former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, resulting in a reduction of his prison sentence to one year.

The announcement, which was published in the Royal Gazette today, states that King Vajiralongkorn granted the pardon to enable Thaksin to “contribute his knowledge, expertise, and experience for the benefit of the nation, society, and the people.”

According to the announcement, the King made his decision based upon the pardon request submitted by Thaksin, which cited advanced age and health issues that require medical treatment from specialist doctors.

The request also stressed that during Thaksin’s tenure as a Prime Minister, he governed the country for the benefit of the nation and its citizens.

It notes as well that Thaksin is loyal to the monarchy and that when legal proceedings were initiated, and the court issued the prison sentence, Thaksin respectfully accepted the sentence and expressed remorse.

The royal pardon was granted for sentences, cumulatively set at eight years in prison, from three cases that were handed down by the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions.

His first night in prison, Thaksin was transferred to the Police General Hospital due to concerns over his high blood pressure and low blood oxygen level.

With credit for 10 days already served, Thaksin was facing a sentence of 7 years, 11 months, and 20 days in the special Bangkok Remand Prison before the pardon was granted.