After 15 years of exile, the former prime minister of Thailand is imprisoned

aboard advance of the upcoming election to choose the next Thai leader, he arrived on Tuesday morning aboard a private jet.

Upon his return, he was then given an eight-year term based on prior convictions for crimes he alleges were motivated by politics.

According to the BBC, conservative royalists have long feared Mr. Thaksin, Thailand's most successful elected leader, and have supported military coups and contentious court proceedings to weaken him.

But despite being overthrown by a military coup years ago, the flamboyant, politically aspirational telecoms tycoon is now back. Hundreds of devoted fans who had camped overnight to greet him cheered as he touched down in Bangkok's major airport. He momentarily exited the airport terminal and approached a portrait of the king and queen while being flanked by his two daughters and son.

The 74-year-old was transported right away to the Supreme Court, where he was found guilty three times and given an eight-year term. He was then taken to Bangkok Remand Prison.

Given his senior age, the prison officials there said he will be kept in a ward with particular medical equipment. The first five days of his 10-day quarantine—during which he will be restricted to his room—will also start right away, according to the officials. According to prison officials, Thaksin will be able to submit a petition from behind bars right away. It has been rumored that he may ask the king for a royal pardon. One to two months may pass during the process.