Thai King reduces former PM Thaksin's sentence to 1 year after return from exile and pardon request

Thaksin returned to Thailand after 15 years of self-imposed exile and was jailed for past graft and abuse of power convictions.
Thaksin submitted a request for a royal pardon citing his health issues and past service as justification.
The Thai King granted Thaksin a pardon, reducing his 8-year sentence to just 1 year, effective immediately.
Thaksin's return coincided with his affiliated Pheu Thai party forming a coalition government with pro-military parties.
Thaksin remains a divisive figure in Thai politics, loved by some but reviled by the establishment that previously ousted him.