Former Thai leader Thaksin Shinawatra has visited his hometown after years away. And he's been given a hero's welcome.

The military ousted Thaksin from power in 2006. He then went into self-imposed exile for 15 years.

But he was back in his hometown of Chiang Mai on Thursday, and the 74-year-old's supporters came out in force.

Thaksin returned to Thailand last August. He was sent to prison on charges including corruption, but complained of ill health.

He was then transferred to a hospital, and the king reduced his eight-year sentence to one year.

Authorities granted Thaksin parole in February. He appeared at a market in central Chiang Mai on Friday wearing a neck brace, but walked without any help.

The former prime minister's daughter was there too. She leads the ruling Pheu Thai Party, which has affiliations with her father.

Thailand's current Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is also in Chiang Mai. Local media quoted Thaksin as saying they would be meeting later on Friday.