PHNOM PENH: Former Prime Minister Hun Sen took a moment to congratulate former Thai PM Thaksin, who had his eight year prison sentence commuted after requesting a pardon from the king.

On his Telegram channel, Hun Sun wrote, “I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to His Excellency Thaksin Shinawatra, who was pardoned by the Thai king, reducing eight-year prison sentence to just one year. I wish my brother continued good luck,” he wrote.

On August 6, Thaksin Shinawatra and his sister, former PM Yingluck Shinawatra, were seen attending former Prime Minister Hun Sen’s 71st birthday celebration. Thaksin had been announcing plans to return to Thailand after 15 years of self-exile ever since the military party that ousted him in 2006 lost in the May elections. He had recently delayed his return due to a medical appointment while the Thai parliament stalled on electing a new prime minister.

Thaksin finally returned to Thailand on a private jet last week and was jailed upon arrival. He spent the first night in a police hospital for reported chest pains and high blood pressure. Yesterday, he asked for a pardon from the king for the crimes of abuse of power and conflicts of interest during his time in power. As a result, the king commuted his eight year sentence to one year.

Former Prime Minister Hun Sen has expressed his admiration for Thaksin in the past, often referring to him as a brother.