Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has been released on parole. He had been serving a prison sentence for corruption and other charges.

A car carrying Thaksin was surrounded by reporters and others as it arrived at the premises of his residence on Sunday morning.

Thaksin was ousted from power in a 2006 coup, and went into de facto exile. He returned to Thailand in August of last year for the first time in 15 years.

He was sent to prison, but soon complained of ill health and was transferred to a hospital.

His eight-year sentence was later commuted to one year under a royal pardon by the king.

Judicial authorities decided to release the former leader, taking into account his age, health condition and other factors.

Thaksin's significantly reduced sentence and parole after serving a short time follow the Pheu Thai Party and conservatives forming a coalition government. The Pheu Thai Party is headed by Thaksin's daughter.

Some people say the former leader was given special treatment.

Attention is on how Thaksin's release will affect Thailand's political landscape, as he still wields great influence.