Thaksin returned to Thailand last week in a dramatic homecoming after spending 15 years abroad in self-exile to avoid prison.

The former leader, 74, returned to Thailand last week in a dramatic homecoming after spending 15 years abroad in self-exile to avoid prison on charges of abuse of power and conflicts of interest during his time in power.

“Thaksin accepted his crime and showed remorse,” the Royal Gazette said on Friday.

He arrived on a private jet last week and was transferred to prison to serve an eight-year sentence. On his first night, he was moved to a police hospital because of chest pains and high blood pressure.

Thaksin “was a prime minister, has done good for the country and people, and is loyal to the monarchy”, the gazette said.

“He respected the process, admitted his guilt, repented, accepted court verdicts. Right now he is old, has illness that need caring from medical professional,” it read.