Chonsawat reportedly walked free at 6am on Wednesday and his family took him to make merit at a temple in Bangkok. His close aides declined to comment on his release.
The former chairman of the Samut Prakan Provincial Administration Organisation was freed from Samut Prakan Central Prison on parole after a reduction of his jail term was approved under the 2016 Royal Decree on Royal Pardons, Mr Charnchao told the local daily.
The royal decree was issued on Aug 8 to mark the 70th anniversary of His Majesty the King's accession to the throne and the 84th birthday of Her Majesty the Queen.