Andy Flower fined for ‘use of an audible obscenity’ during Mumbai Indians clash

Thaksin, looking healthy in a white shirt with short hair, expressed relief to reporters shortly after his release. Family members, including his daughter and former prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, greeted him outside the prison. Despite his party, Pheu Thai, stating he would take a backseat in politics, speculation continues about his possible future role in the political landscape of Thailand. Since rising to power in January 2001, Thaksin, a wealthy businessman, has had a significant impact on the country, gaining both devoted supporters and fierce critics. His parties consistently won elections even after he was ousted by a coup in September 2006. However, his ambition created tensions with the royalist establishment, leading to several court decisions against his allies, violent protests, and another coup in 2014. Thaksin maintained his political activities from abroad and, after a supposed "grand bargain," was allowed to return home in 2023 to help lead his party as it returned to power. His popularity was clear as supporters gathered outside the prison. One supporter, Maysa Lombuarot, traveled 700 kilometers (435 miles) to witness his release. “Today I brought him 20 kilograms of lychees. I know he likes them. Now that he’s free, I want him to eat something good,” she told the BBC, expressing hopes for his continued involvement in politics.