BANGKOK – Thailand's Department of Corrections confirmed on Tuesday that former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has completed his probation and been freed under a royal pardon decree, with his electronic monitoring device removed.

Thaksin had been released on probation with the device fitted on May 11 for a term of four months and one day, and complied with all conditions, the department said in a statement.

After the royal pardon decree took effect on June 3, a review committee confirmed he qualified under its criteria, including being over 60 with a remaining sentence under three years, and authorized his release.

The department stated that Thaksin now holds the status of a person who has fully completed his sentence, ending all criminal custody and related conditions, on equal terms with others granted the pardon.