Ex-Thai PM Thaksin jailed eight years on return to Thailand (update)

Thaksin's supporters arrange a giant portrait placard as they wait outside Klong Prem Central Prison in Bangkok on Aug 22, 2023. - AFP

BANGKOK (AFP): Thailand's divisive ex-leader Thaksin Shinawatra was jailed Tuesday (Aug 22) as he returned to the kingdom after 15 years in exile, hours before parliament votes to install his party's candidate as the new prime minister.

The billionaire landed in a private jet at Bangkok's Don Mueang airport at 9am (0200 GMT), to be greeted by hundreds of noisy "Red Shirt" supporters waving banners and singing songs.