Former Thai leader Thaksin Shinawatra returned to Thailand after 15 years in exile and was promptly jailed ahead of his party’s candidate being elected prime minister. The Supreme Court sentenced the billionaire to eight years for past corruption charges. Uncertainty surrounds the duration of his incarceration, as his Pheu Thai party assumes government, sparking rumors of leniency. Despite being loved and reviled in Thailand, Thaksin’s influence endures. He greeted supporters and offered respect to the king’s portrait before heading to court. A coalition led by the Pheu Thai party, historically linked to Thaksin, appointed a new prime minister following his return.