Bangkok, Thailand – September 15th, 2025-
The family of former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra visited him at Klong Prem Central Prison today, marking the first such reunion since his recent transfer to the facility.
The 76-year-old political powerhouse, who has long been a polarizing figure in Thai politics, was joined by his ex-wife Khunying Pojaman na Ayudhya, his daughter and former Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, and another daughter, Pintongta Shinawatra Kunakornwong. The visit, lasting about 30 minutes, took place through protective glass.
Thaksin, once Thailand’s longest-serving prime minister from 2001 to 2006, was ousted in a military coup and has faced a series of legal battles ever since. His return from 15 years of self-exile in August 2023 led to an initial eight-year sentence for corruption and abuse of power, later reduced to one year via royal pardon. However, controversy erupted when he spent only hours in prison before being transferred to a hospital, a move the Supreme Court deemed unlawful on September 9th, 2025. The court ordered him to serve the full year starting that day, ending any speculation about his evasion of incarceration.
Upon arrival at Klong Prem Prison on the evening of September 9th, Thaksin underwent a mandatory five-day quarantine, delaying family visits until today. Reports indicate he has been placed in the inmate hospital ward for elderly prisoners, with enhanced security measures befitting his status as a former leader, though he follows standard regulations without special privileges. His lawyer, Winyat Chartmontri, who facilitated the visit by submitting required documents around 8:30 a.m., noted that Thaksin appeared in a prisoner uniform and had his hair cut, a stark contrast to his earlier appearances.
Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who served as prime minister for about a year before being removed by a court on August 29th, 2025, over ethics violations, described the encounter as emotional. “Father’s spirit remains strong,” she told reporters outside the prison, where supporters gathered to offer encouragement. Khunying Pojaman, Thaksin’s ex-wife and a key figure in the family’s business empire, and Pintongta, who has largely stayed out of the political and media spotlight, joined in the brief but meaningful interaction. The family arrived together, navigating media crowds.
This visit comes at a challenging time for the Shinawatra family, which has dominated Thai politics for over two decades despite repeated judicial and military interventions. Thaksin’s sister Yingluck Shinawatra was ousted as prime minister in 2014 and remains on self exile, followed by a coup, and his brother-in-law Somchai Wongsawat briefly held the post. Paetongtarn’s dismissal last month marked the sixth Shinawatra-linked leader to be removed.
Thaksin’s lawyer told the media that it is too early to pursue alternatives like detention outside prison, as the Department of Corrections must first evaluate his case. In a statement following the Supreme Court’s ruling, Thaksin himself reflected philosophically: “Today, I may no longer have freedom, but I have freedom of thought to create benefit for the country and people.” Supporters, including red-shirt activists, were present but not permitted to visit, adhering to prison rules.
