Thailand's former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra greets his supporters as he arrives at Don Muang airport in Bangkok, Thailand, Aug 22, 2023. (PHOTO / FILE / AP)

BANGKOK - Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn has reduced former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra's eight-year prison sentence to one year following his request for a royal pardon, the royal gazette said on Friday.

"Thaksin's contribution as a former prime minister benefited the country and the people. He accepted his crime and showed remorse," the royal command said, adding that "he is ailing and requires treatment from a medical specialist."

The 74-year-old former prime minister ended his exile of over 15 years and returned to Thailand 10 days ago, but was soon detained and faced an 8-year prison sentence on several charges.

However, shortly after his return, he was transferred from a Bangkok prison to a hospital due to health concerns.

READ MORE: Thailand's billionaire ex-PM Thaksin submits royal pardon request

Thaksin served as Thailand's premier from 2001 to 2006 but had been in self-exile abroad since 2008.