Thaksin is back in the news. He is eligible for parole beginning Saturday, May 9. Being eligible does not necessarily mean he will get paroled, but my guess is he will. If he does, it remains to be seen what requirements he will have to meet in order to maintain release for the remainder of his sentence.
I am also wondering about his intentions once his sentence is completed. I wonder if he is still going to try to make some sort of political comeback. He doesn't seem to be the type to decide it is all over and just retire and fade away. To this day I don't understand why he voluntarily returned to Thailand when he could easily have continued his luxurious life. I don't believe he ever expected to be jailed and have to serve a sentence. By the way, the court ruled that the 6 months he stayed in a hospital does not count as time served toward completion of his sentence.
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Thaksin eligible for parole on May 9
February 26, 2026
The Department of Corrections (DoC) on Wednesday confirmed former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra will be eligible for parole on May 9 after serving two-thirds of his one-year prison sentence.
The clarification followed comments a day earlier by Justice Minister Pol Lt Gen Rutthaphon Naowarat, who said Thaksin will have completed eight months in prison on May 9 -- equivalent to two-thirds of his one-year sentence -- meeting conditions for parole.
Under regulations, inmates who have served two-thirds of their sentence may apply for parole, subject to approval by prison, corrections and Justice Ministry committees. DoC spokesman Yutthana Nakreungsri said the Klong Prem Central Prison committee has not yet finalised the list of inmates eligible for parole.
Normally, such lists are prepared one to two months in advance. He estimated that fewer than 500 inmates at the prison may qualify. A committee will make its decision before forwarding its recommendation.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/po ... e-on-may-9
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Thaksin Shinawatra eligible for release on parole from May 9, no EM bracelet required
by THE NATION
February 25, 2026
Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra will be eligible for parole on May 9, 2026, after serving 8 months of his 1-year sentence for corruption, with no requirement for an electronic monitoring bracelet.
Yutthana Nakruangsri, Deputy Director-General and spokesman of the Corrections Department, confirmed the timeline for Thaksin Shinawatra's parole eligibility, following his one-year prison sentence for corruption. Thaksin, who is currently incarcerated at Klong Prem Central Prison, will be eligible for parole on May 9, 2026, after serving 8 months of his sentence.
According to Yutthana, the Klong Prem prison has yet to finalise the list of prisoners eligible for parole, as the Corrections Department requires a 1-2 month advance submission of names. Thaksin’s eligibility follows the criteria of serving two-thirds of his sentence.
Although his release will be on May 9, a Saturday, officials are obligated to ensure the prisoner’s rights are upheld, with release procedures beginning early in the morning, between 07:00-08:00. Thaksin will then be transferred to the designated location of his sponsor for parole supervision.
Yutthana further stated that Thaksin would not be required to wear an electronic monitoring bracelet (EM) due to the short length of his sentence. However, he will need to report to the Parole Department according to the set schedule. Once Thaksin completes his full sentence, he will receive a clearance certificate from the prison.
https://www.nationthailand.com/news/politics/40062974
Thaksin eligible for parole Saturday, May 9
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Re: Thaksin eligible for parole Saturday, May 9
Daughter expects Thaksin to quit politics
‘He should quit,’ says Paetongtarn after latest prison visit
February 26, 2026
Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra is likely to quit politics when he is released from prison, his daughter Paetongtarn said on Thursday.
She made the comment as she walked out of Klongprem Central Prison in Chatuchak district, after reporters pressed her on whether her father would quit politics when he is paroled later this year.
“He has been inside for six months. He should quit. It is unlikely that he will not quit,” said Ms Paetongtarn, also a former PM.
The Department of Corrections said this week that Thaksin, who will turn 77 on July 26, would be eligible for parole in May as he would have served two-thirds of his one-year jail term by then.
Thaksin, 76, has been behind bars since Sept 9 last year, when the Supreme Court ordered him to actually serve his one-year sentence for abuse of authority and conflict of interest while serving as prime minister prior to 2006.
The court did not recognise Thaksin’s prolonged stay at Police General Hospital in 2023-24 as qualifying for prison time.
Thaksin returned to Thailand on Aug 22, 2023, after more than 15 years of self-exile abroad.
The billionaire patriarch of the Pheu Thai Party was immediately sentenced to eight years in prison — later reduced to one year by royal clemency.
He was taken to Bangkok Remand Prison but was moved to Police General Hospital the same night, only 13 hours after he entered the prison.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/po ... t-politics
‘He should quit,’ says Paetongtarn after latest prison visit
February 26, 2026
Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra is likely to quit politics when he is released from prison, his daughter Paetongtarn said on Thursday.
She made the comment as she walked out of Klongprem Central Prison in Chatuchak district, after reporters pressed her on whether her father would quit politics when he is paroled later this year.
“He has been inside for six months. He should quit. It is unlikely that he will not quit,” said Ms Paetongtarn, also a former PM.
The Department of Corrections said this week that Thaksin, who will turn 77 on July 26, would be eligible for parole in May as he would have served two-thirds of his one-year jail term by then.
Thaksin, 76, has been behind bars since Sept 9 last year, when the Supreme Court ordered him to actually serve his one-year sentence for abuse of authority and conflict of interest while serving as prime minister prior to 2006.
The court did not recognise Thaksin’s prolonged stay at Police General Hospital in 2023-24 as qualifying for prison time.
Thaksin returned to Thailand on Aug 22, 2023, after more than 15 years of self-exile abroad.
The billionaire patriarch of the Pheu Thai Party was immediately sentenced to eight years in prison — later reduced to one year by royal clemency.
He was taken to Bangkok Remand Prison but was moved to Police General Hospital the same night, only 13 hours after he entered the prison.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/po ... t-politics
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Re: Thaksin eligible for parole Saturday, May 9
I still don't understand why he returned to Thailand in the first place.
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Thaksin granted parole, set for release on May 11
Former PM will not have to wear monitoring device, authorities say
April 29, 2026
Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra has been approved for parole without the requirement to wear an electronic monitoring (EM) device, with his release scheduled for May 11.
The decision was reached on Wednesday following a meeting of a Ministry of Justice parole committee, which reviewed more than 500 eligible inmates nationwide who meet the criteria under general parole regulations.
The committee agreed that Thaksin, currently held at Klong Prem Central Prison, qualified for parole and would not be required to wear an EM ankle bracelet as he is over 70 and has underlying medical conditions.
Thaksin, 76, has been behind bars since Sept 9 last year, when the Supreme Court ordered him to serve his one-year sentence for abuse of authority and conflict of interest while serving as prime minister prior to 2006.
The court said it did not recognise Thaksin’s prolonged stay in a VIP ward at the Police General Hospital in 2023-24 as qualifying for prison time.
As of May 11, he will have served two-thirds of his sentence, the minimum threshold required for parole eligibility.
The meeting on Wednesday, chaired by Tharinee Saengsawang, the ministry’s deputy permanent secretary, lasted more than three hours and included representatives from multiple agencies, including the Department of Corrections, the Department of Probation, the Department of Rights and Liberties Protection, the Office of the Attorney-General, the Royal Thai Police and others.
Corrections officials said the resolution would be submitted to the commander of Klong Prem Central Prison and probation officials to prepare for Thaksin’s release on May 11. He will then remain under probation supervision for the remaining four months of his term.
Under standard probation conditions, parolees are required to report regularly to probation officers, reside at an approved address, comply with the law and refrain from activities that could lead to reoffending. Movement outside designated areas requires prior approval, and violations may result in parole revocation.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/ge ... -on-may-11
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Thaksin granted parole, set for release on May 11
Former PM will not have to wear monitoring device, authorities say
April 29, 2026
Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra has been approved for parole without the requirement to wear an electronic monitoring (EM) device, with his release scheduled for May 11.
The decision was reached on Wednesday following a meeting of a Ministry of Justice parole committee, which reviewed more than 500 eligible inmates nationwide who meet the criteria under general parole regulations.
The committee agreed that Thaksin, currently held at Klong Prem Central Prison, qualified for parole and would not be required to wear an EM ankle bracelet as he is over 70 and has underlying medical conditions.
Thaksin, 76, has been behind bars since Sept 9 last year, when the Supreme Court ordered him to serve his one-year sentence for abuse of authority and conflict of interest while serving as prime minister prior to 2006.
The court said it did not recognise Thaksin’s prolonged stay in a VIP ward at the Police General Hospital in 2023-24 as qualifying for prison time.
As of May 11, he will have served two-thirds of his sentence, the minimum threshold required for parole eligibility.
The meeting on Wednesday, chaired by Tharinee Saengsawang, the ministry’s deputy permanent secretary, lasted more than three hours and included representatives from multiple agencies, including the Department of Corrections, the Department of Probation, the Department of Rights and Liberties Protection, the Office of the Attorney-General, the Royal Thai Police and others.
Corrections officials said the resolution would be submitted to the commander of Klong Prem Central Prison and probation officials to prepare for Thaksin’s release on May 11. He will then remain under probation supervision for the remaining four months of his term.
Under standard probation conditions, parolees are required to report regularly to probation officers, reside at an approved address, comply with the law and refrain from activities that could lead to reoffending. Movement outside designated areas requires prior approval, and violations may result in parole revocation.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/ge ... -on-may-11
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Re: Thaksin eligible for parole Saturday, May 9
Former PM Thaksin released from prison
May 11, 2026
Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra left Klongprem Central Prison in Bangkok on parole and was greeted by family members and a crowd of supporters on Monday morning.
Thaksin - in white shirt, blue trousers and with short and partly grey hair - was seen walking out of the prison gate in Chatuchak district at 7.44am. There, he hugged family members and greeted a crowd of supporters including Pheu Thai Party members and red-shirt followers.
He paid respect to a Thai national flag when the national anthem was played. After it ended he got in his Mercedes-Maybach, which then left the prison amid a crowd of supporters at 7.56am.
The luxury car moved slowly through the crowd and its rear windows were fully opened. Inside on the left rear seat, Thaksin made repeated "wais" to his supporters.
Thaksin is required to wear an electronic monitoring (EM) bracelet during his parole period, until Sept 9.
He was among 859 inmates approved for general parole under Department of Corrections regulations.
Thaksin is also required to report to Bangkok Probation Office 1 within three days of his release, as his residence, Ban Chan Song La in Bang Phlat district, falls within its jurisdiction. Monthly reporting is expected throughout the parole period.
Thaksin, 76, has been behind bars since Sept 9 last year, when the Supreme Court ordered him to actually serve his one-year sentence for abuse of authority and conflict of interest while serving as prime minister prior to 2006.
The court said it did not recognise Thaksin’s prolonged stay in a VIP ward at the Police General Hospital in 2023-24 as qualifying for prison time.
As of May 11, he has served two-thirds of his sentence, the minimum threshold required for parole eligibility.
On Sept 9, 2025, the Supreme Court ordered Thaksin to serve the year's imprisonment to which he was sentenced two years earlier, on Aug 22, 2023.
The court said it considered as illegitimate the transfer of Thaksin from Bangkok Remand Prison shortly after his arrival there on Aug 22, 2023 to the Police General Hospital after he complained of chest pain.
Thaksin had returned to Thailand on that same day after self-exile for 15 years. He stayed at Police General Hospital instead of in prison until his previous parole in early 2024.
Story and photos: https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/po ... rom-prison
May 11, 2026
Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra left Klongprem Central Prison in Bangkok on parole and was greeted by family members and a crowd of supporters on Monday morning.
Thaksin - in white shirt, blue trousers and with short and partly grey hair - was seen walking out of the prison gate in Chatuchak district at 7.44am. There, he hugged family members and greeted a crowd of supporters including Pheu Thai Party members and red-shirt followers.
He paid respect to a Thai national flag when the national anthem was played. After it ended he got in his Mercedes-Maybach, which then left the prison amid a crowd of supporters at 7.56am.
The luxury car moved slowly through the crowd and its rear windows were fully opened. Inside on the left rear seat, Thaksin made repeated "wais" to his supporters.
Thaksin is required to wear an electronic monitoring (EM) bracelet during his parole period, until Sept 9.
He was among 859 inmates approved for general parole under Department of Corrections regulations.
Thaksin is also required to report to Bangkok Probation Office 1 within three days of his release, as his residence, Ban Chan Song La in Bang Phlat district, falls within its jurisdiction. Monthly reporting is expected throughout the parole period.
Thaksin, 76, has been behind bars since Sept 9 last year, when the Supreme Court ordered him to actually serve his one-year sentence for abuse of authority and conflict of interest while serving as prime minister prior to 2006.
The court said it did not recognise Thaksin’s prolonged stay in a VIP ward at the Police General Hospital in 2023-24 as qualifying for prison time.
As of May 11, he has served two-thirds of his sentence, the minimum threshold required for parole eligibility.
On Sept 9, 2025, the Supreme Court ordered Thaksin to serve the year's imprisonment to which he was sentenced two years earlier, on Aug 22, 2023.
The court said it considered as illegitimate the transfer of Thaksin from Bangkok Remand Prison shortly after his arrival there on Aug 22, 2023 to the Police General Hospital after he complained of chest pain.
Thaksin had returned to Thailand on that same day after self-exile for 15 years. He stayed at Police General Hospital instead of in prison until his previous parole in early 2024.
Story and photos: https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/po ... rom-prison
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Re: Thaksin eligible for parole Saturday, May 9
Is Thaksin now out of the political spectrum? Not quite.
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Govt monitors Thaksin parole impact
by Mongkol Bangprapa
May 13, 2026
The government is monitoring whether the parole release of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra could have political repercussions.
Chaichanok Chidchob, secretary-general of the Bhumjaithai Party and Minister of Digital Economy and Society, on Tuesday dismissed concerns over Thaksin's release.
He said Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and the coalition remained politically strong and were unlikely to be significantly affected.
Asked whether Thaksin's return could reignite tensions, Mr Chaichanok stressed the government's priority was national stability, not political drama.
Responding to speculation that Thaksin could seek revenge, Mr Chaichanok declined to comment on the former premier's intentions.
Meanwhile, political analyst Thanaporn Sriyakul predicted Thaksin would adopt a cautious approach but remain a highly influential catalyst for a revival of the "red shirt" movement, and increased cooperation among rival camps to isolate the Bhumjaithai Party.
Separately, Thaksin visited Praram 9 Hospital for a medical check-up following his release on Monday.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/ge ... ole-impact
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Govt monitors Thaksin parole impact
by Mongkol Bangprapa
May 13, 2026
The government is monitoring whether the parole release of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra could have political repercussions.
Chaichanok Chidchob, secretary-general of the Bhumjaithai Party and Minister of Digital Economy and Society, on Tuesday dismissed concerns over Thaksin's release.
He said Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and the coalition remained politically strong and were unlikely to be significantly affected.
Asked whether Thaksin's return could reignite tensions, Mr Chaichanok stressed the government's priority was national stability, not political drama.
Responding to speculation that Thaksin could seek revenge, Mr Chaichanok declined to comment on the former premier's intentions.
Meanwhile, political analyst Thanaporn Sriyakul predicted Thaksin would adopt a cautious approach but remain a highly influential catalyst for a revival of the "red shirt" movement, and increased cooperation among rival camps to isolate the Bhumjaithai Party.
Separately, Thaksin visited Praram 9 Hospital for a medical check-up following his release on Monday.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/ge ... ole-impact
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Re: Thaksin eligible for parole Saturday, May 9
I am guessing Thaksin can now fully reenter the political arena if he so chooses. If nothing else, his legal troubles are now over.
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Thaksin granted royal-birthday pardon
Former PM for immediate release, no probation, no tag
June 3, 2026
Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra has been named among those granted a royal pardon in celebration of Her Majesty the Queen’s 4th cycle birthday anniversary, Justice Minister Pol Lt Gen Rutthapon Naowarat said on Wednesday.
The justice minister confirmed that Thaksin's name appeared on the list of pardon recipients. He did not say how many were on the list.
Asked to clarify Mr Thaksin's legal status, and whether he would have to complete the remaining one month and 10 days of his sentence, Pol Lt Gen Rutthapon said the former premier would be released from his sentence immediately.
“Under the law, he is released at once because he has less than one year of his sentence remaining, in accordance with Section 8,” he said.
The ousted prime minister is being released in accordance with Section 8 of the 2026 Royal Decree on Royal Pardons because he has less than one year of his sentence remaining.
When asked whether the ex-premier's electronic tag could also be removed immediately, the minister replied in the affirmative.
Further procedural steps in implementing pardons are to be handled by provincial committees, Pol Lt Gen Rutthapon said.
Mr Thaksin was, prior to the announcement, on a four-month probationary parole that began on May 11 and was scheduled to complete his sentence on Sept 9, 2026. During that period, he was required to report to his probation officer once a month.
The royal pardon immediately terminates his probation period, meaning he is no longer required to report to probation authorities and does not have to wait until Sept 9 for his sentence to expire.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul congratulated Thaksin on his receiving a royal pardon, but declined to comment further to reporters.
Speaking at Sanam Luang at 7.30am, Mr Anutin said he had learned of the pardon from news reports and wished to extend his congratulations to his predecessor.
“Today (June 3) is an auspicious day. We will not discuss other matters,” he said.
The prime minister invited the public to join a candle-lighting ceremony at Sanam Luang at 7pm in honour of Her Majesty the Queen on the occasion of the royal celebration of the Queen’s 48th birthday anniversary.
Mr Anutin called on people nationwide to participate in the ceremony and offer their best wishes for Her Majesty's long life and good health.
Thaksin's daughter Pintongta Shinawatra Kunakornwong said the family was deeply grateful and delighted by the news, speaking through tears.
"I am happy for my father, for our family, and for all the other families whose loved ones have also received a royal pardon," she said.
She had spoken with her younger sister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, a former prime minister, and they shared the same sense of relief and joy.
"A period of time has passed and things have been relatively calm recently, but we are very happy about this. We feel deeply honoured and grateful for the freedom that has been granted," Ms Pintongta said.
Mr Thaksin, 76, was sent to prison on Sept 9 last year, when the Supreme Court ordered him to actually serve his one-year sentence for abuse of authority and conflict of interest while serving as prime minister prior to 2006.
The court said it did not recognise his prolonged stay in a VIP ward at the Police General Hospital between 2023 and 2024 as qualifying for prison time. It said it considered as illegitimate the transfer of Mr Thaksin from the Bangkok Remand Prison shortly after his arrival there to the Police General Hospital after he complained of chest pain.
The Supreme Court on Aug 22, 2023 ordered Mr Thaksin to serve the year's imprisonment to which he was sentenced two years earlier.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/po ... day-pardon
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Thaksin granted royal-birthday pardon
Former PM for immediate release, no probation, no tag
June 3, 2026
Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra has been named among those granted a royal pardon in celebration of Her Majesty the Queen’s 4th cycle birthday anniversary, Justice Minister Pol Lt Gen Rutthapon Naowarat said on Wednesday.
The justice minister confirmed that Thaksin's name appeared on the list of pardon recipients. He did not say how many were on the list.
Asked to clarify Mr Thaksin's legal status, and whether he would have to complete the remaining one month and 10 days of his sentence, Pol Lt Gen Rutthapon said the former premier would be released from his sentence immediately.
“Under the law, he is released at once because he has less than one year of his sentence remaining, in accordance with Section 8,” he said.
The ousted prime minister is being released in accordance with Section 8 of the 2026 Royal Decree on Royal Pardons because he has less than one year of his sentence remaining.
When asked whether the ex-premier's electronic tag could also be removed immediately, the minister replied in the affirmative.
Further procedural steps in implementing pardons are to be handled by provincial committees, Pol Lt Gen Rutthapon said.
Mr Thaksin was, prior to the announcement, on a four-month probationary parole that began on May 11 and was scheduled to complete his sentence on Sept 9, 2026. During that period, he was required to report to his probation officer once a month.
The royal pardon immediately terminates his probation period, meaning he is no longer required to report to probation authorities and does not have to wait until Sept 9 for his sentence to expire.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul congratulated Thaksin on his receiving a royal pardon, but declined to comment further to reporters.
Speaking at Sanam Luang at 7.30am, Mr Anutin said he had learned of the pardon from news reports and wished to extend his congratulations to his predecessor.
“Today (June 3) is an auspicious day. We will not discuss other matters,” he said.
The prime minister invited the public to join a candle-lighting ceremony at Sanam Luang at 7pm in honour of Her Majesty the Queen on the occasion of the royal celebration of the Queen’s 48th birthday anniversary.
Mr Anutin called on people nationwide to participate in the ceremony and offer their best wishes for Her Majesty's long life and good health.
Thaksin's daughter Pintongta Shinawatra Kunakornwong said the family was deeply grateful and delighted by the news, speaking through tears.
"I am happy for my father, for our family, and for all the other families whose loved ones have also received a royal pardon," she said.
She had spoken with her younger sister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, a former prime minister, and they shared the same sense of relief and joy.
"A period of time has passed and things have been relatively calm recently, but we are very happy about this. We feel deeply honoured and grateful for the freedom that has been granted," Ms Pintongta said.
Mr Thaksin, 76, was sent to prison on Sept 9 last year, when the Supreme Court ordered him to actually serve his one-year sentence for abuse of authority and conflict of interest while serving as prime minister prior to 2006.
The court said it did not recognise his prolonged stay in a VIP ward at the Police General Hospital between 2023 and 2024 as qualifying for prison time. It said it considered as illegitimate the transfer of Mr Thaksin from the Bangkok Remand Prison shortly after his arrival there to the Police General Hospital after he complained of chest pain.
The Supreme Court on Aug 22, 2023 ordered Mr Thaksin to serve the year's imprisonment to which he was sentenced two years earlier.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/po ... day-pardon