Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra will be released from detention following a royal pardon, marking a significant development in one of Thailand's most prominent political cases.

Thaksin, who served as prime minister from 2001 to 2006, has been a central figure in Thai politics for more than two decades. He was removed from power in a military coup and has since lived primarily in exile to avoid criminal charges related to corruption and abuse of power.

The royal pardon represents a major turn in Thaksin's legal situation. The former telecommunications billionaire has maintained significant political influence despite his legal troubles, with parties aligned with him winning multiple elections even during his absence from the country.

Thaksin's case has been closely watched as a barometer of Thailand's political climate. His supporters view him as a champion of the rural poor, while critics have accused him of authoritarian tendencies and corruption during his time in office.

The timing and circumstances of the royal pardon were not immediately detailed in available reports. Thailand's monarchy traditionally grants pardons on special occasions, though the specific reasoning for this decision has not been publicly disclosed.