Thailand's Ex-PM Thaksin Released from Prison

Thailand's former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra was released early from prison on Monday, raising the prospect of a return to the spotlight for the political heavyweight.

The 76-year-old telecoms billionaire had been serving a one-year prison sentence for corruption since September and will be required to wear an electronic monitor during his four-month probation period. 

Thaksin hugged family members outside the Bangkok jail where several hundred supporters wearing their signature red



shirts had gathered, some shouting "we love Thaksin", according to an AFP journalist at the scene.

"I do not think he will leave politics," said 70-year-old Janthana Chaidej who took a day off work as a restaurant cook to show his support. 

Thaksin "may stay away for a couple months, but he will not leave politics", she said. 

Thaksin, who smiled and waved to the crowd of red-clad supporters, did not speak with journalists outside the prison before leaving in a car.