Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is set to be released after being detained on corruption charges since returning to the country last August after 15 years in exile.

Thai Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong said on February 13 that Mr. Thaksin will be released from the list of 930 prisoners who are in critical health condition or are over 70 years old. It is expected that Mr. Thaksin will be released after serving 6 months of his prison sentence, which is on February 18.

Thaksin Shinawatra served as prime minister of Thailand from 2001 until he was ousted in a coup in 2006, forcing him into exile. He returned home last August and was promptly arrested.

He was sentenced to eight years in prison by the Thai Supreme Court for bribery and abuse of power. Immediately after his arrest, Mr. Thaksin applied for a royal pardon. Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn later agreed to reduce his sentence from eight years to one year.

Mr Thaksin founded the Thai Rak Thai party in 1998, which later became known as the ruling Pheu Thai party. Thailand's new prime minister, Mr Srettha Thavisin, is also from the Phieu Thai party.

Quang Anh (according to CNN, DW)