The Tamesis
Bangkok – Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra will be eligible for parole in May, according to a senior Corrections Department official. Thaksin’s son-in-law, Pitaka Suksawat, visited him at Khlong Prai Central Prison, the official said on Thursday.
Thaksin’s parole eligibility
The official, who requested anonymity, clarified that while Thaksin has not served enough time to upgrade Thaksin’s prisoner classification from medium to outstanding, which would make him eligible for a royal pardon, he is still eligible for parole. Thaksin will serve a one-year sentence starting on September 9, 2025.
The Department of Corrections reviews prisoner classifications four times a year – in March, April, August and December – but Thaksin has not served long enough to upgrade his grade. However, as Thaksin will serve two-thirds of his sentence in May, he will be eligible for parole.
“By May, he will have served eight months of his 12-month sentence and become eligible for parole,” the source explained.
Pitaka Suksawat visits Thaksin
On Thursday, Pitaka Susawa visited Thaksin in Klong Prem prison on behalf of his wife, former prime minister Baithonthan Shinawatra, and the Shinawatra family. This is Thaksin’s 32nd family visit since he was imprisoned.
Pitaka arrived at the prison with Thaksin’s personal lawyer Winyat Chartmontree, who made no statement to the media as they entered. After a 30-minute visit, Pitaka told reporters that Thaksin was in good health and did not feel lonely. He added that Thaksin has been closely following news reports about the ongoing election campaign.
Thaksin supports Pheu Thai Party and expresses condolences for train accident
Pitaka said Thaksin had asked him to provide moral support to all Pheu Thai candidates, but he did not specify any particular candidate. He noted that the upcoming election gave Thaksin something to monitor and focus on while in prison.
Pitaka also mentioned that Thaksin had been informed of the tragic train accident in Nakhon Ratchasima Province and expressed his condolences to the families of the victims.
Before leaving the prison, Pitaka greeted a group of red-shirt supporters who had gathered outside the prison to express support for Thaksin. Supporters chanted that they would support Pheu Thai in the upcoming election.
