BANGKOK, THAILAND – Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra received an unusually private New Year visit from his family inside prison.
Rare contact without glass barrier
The imprisoned former leader met his three children and their families without the usual separating glass, an exceptional arrangement for the 76-year-old. It was the 20th family visit since his incarceration on 9 September, but this encounter was different, according to relatives.
New Year gathering brings moment of normality
To mark the New Year festival, prison authorities allowed personal visits without a glass wall, letting the family sit together, share food and move freely. His youngest daughter Paetongtarn Shinawatra, herself a former prime minister, said the meeting left her deeply moved.
“For almost two hours it felt as if we were truly together again.”
said Paetongtarn, former prime minister.
Daughter shares emotional prison photo
On her social media account, Paetongtarn posted a private family photo taken inside the prison, showing the entire family gathered around Thaksin. Present were her husband Pidok Sooksawas, her sister Pintongta, her brother Panthongtae and his wife Natthiya.
“For a moment I felt like little Paetongtarn again, walking hand in hand with my father and my siblings through the market.”
said Paetongtarn, former prime minister.
Mini-market set up behind bars
The prison administration set up a small mini-market where visitors could buy food and handicrafts made by inmates. The unusually relaxed atmosphere allowed the family to take an almost two-hour walk with Thaksin within the facility.
“To everyone who worries about Father: he is doing well. He is aware of your love and care and sends his regards to all.”
said Paetongtarn, former prime minister.
Concern over flooding in southern Thailand
Asked by reporters, Paetongtarn confirmed that her father was following the current flood disaster in southern Thailand.
“Yes, he is worried.”
said Paetongtarn, former prime minister. Even from prison, the ex-premier continued to show interest in political developments.
Sentence over VIP hospital stay
The Supreme Court had sentenced Thaksin on 9 September to one year in prison over what was deemed an unlawful stay in a VIP ward of the police hospital. The 76-year-old had returned to Thailand in August 2023 after years abroad.
From eight-year term to royal pardon
He was originally sentenced to eight years, but a royal pardon later reduced the term to one year. The convictions related to allegations of conflicts of interest and abuse of power during his premiership from 2001 to 2006.
Visit likely among his last in custody
This private New Year visit was expected to be one of the last family meetings before Thaksin was likely to complete his prison term soon. The encounter offered a brief moment of normal family life amid ongoing legal and political scrutiny.