The Tamesis
April 28, 2026
Bangkok – Former prime minister’s parole process Thaksin Shinawatra The case is in its final stages after the Department of Corrections outlined a timetable for his possible release onto probation on May 11, 2026.
Under the department’s criteria, Thaksin becomes eligible after serving two-thirds of his one-year (12-month) sentence (equivalent to eight months), which he will complete on May 10, 2026.
Wynatt ChatmontreeThaksin’s lawyers said the Department of Corrections Parole Board had ruled in principle that Thaksin met preliminary eligibility requirements.
He added that Thaksin was not the only prisoner being considered for parole, noting that there were multiple eligible cases at Klong Prem Central Prison and a total of about 500 people across the country was understood to be in total.
Winyat said the probation address remains “Ban Chan Song La” in the Charan Sanitwong area, which will serve as the primary residence reporting to the probation department until the full expiration of the sentence in September 2026.
Asked about reports that Thaksin may not need to wear an electronic monitoring bracelet because he meets the criteria for an elderly prisoner over 70 years old, Wynyard said he had not received confirmation and urged observers to wait for official results.
He added that Thaksin should be given a chance in accordance with laws and regulations given his age and underlying health conditions.
The parole process is expected to move forward on April 29, when the subcommittee responsible for reviewing and adjudicating parole cases will meet to finalize the list of eligible prisoners – a list of more than 500 eligible prisoners across the country, including Thaksin, according to reports.
In accordance with the process described, the list will then be forwarded to the Permanent Secretary for Justice for approval and signature.
At the same time, “Red Shirt” supporters have begun to circulate plans for a gathering outside the prison on May 3, and plan to hold a larger mobilization event on May 10 and 11 to welcome Thaksin home.
