Bangkok
A panel under Thailand’s Ministry of Justice has officially approved parole for former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, paving the way for his release from prison on May 11th without the requirement to wear an electronic monitoring (EM) bracelet.
The decision, made on Wednesday, April 29th, follows standard parole procedures after Thaksin met eligibility criteria by serving more than two-thirds of his one-year sentence. He has been held at Klong Prem Central Prison and is expected to be freed in the morning of May 11th, entering a four-month probation period that will conclude on September 9th.
Officials confirmed that Thaksin, who is over 70 years old, qualifies for an exemption from wearing an EM device under regulations for elderly inmates and those with health considerations. His lawyer, Winyat Chatmontree, had previously indicated that such an exemption was likely but awaited final confirmation.
Thaksin was sentenced to one year in prison on charges related to his return to Thailand and prior stay in an exclusive VIP hospital suite in 2023. He has reportedly served approximately seven months and 20 days as of the approval date and will complete the two-thirds threshold on May 10th.
The Corrections Department had earlier advanced his case through preliminary reviews, with the Justice Ministry panel delivering the final nod. The Justice Minister and other officials have stated that the process adhered strictly to established legal criteria which all inmates are applicable for, and wasn’t a special exception or privilege.
Thaksin Shinawatra, a polarizing figure in Thai politics and founder of the Pheu Thai Party, served as prime minister from 2001 to 2006 before being ousted in a military coup. His return and legal battles have remained subjects of intense public and political interest.
Further details on his post-release conditions and probation requirements are expected to be clarified by Thai authorities in the coming days.
