Thaksin released early from prison

Long-awaited homecoming: (Clockwise from top right) Thaksin’s family members, including his daughters Paetongtarn (left) and Pintongta Shinawatra Kunakornwong (centre), waiting ahead of his expected release at Klong Prem Central Prison in Bangkok. . — AFP

Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra was released early from prison, raising the prospect of a return to the spotlight for the political heavyweight.

The 76-year-old telecoms billio­n­aire has served eight months of a one-year prison sentence for corruption and will be required to wear an electronic monitor while on probation until Septem­ber.