BANGKOK, THAILAND – A senior justice insider revealed that jailed former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra could be released on parole as early as May, in a move seen as a potential political shock.
Family visit fuels speculation at Klongprem Prison
On Thursday morning, tension rose outside Klongprem Prison as media and red-shirt supporters gathered. Thaksin’s son-in-law Pidok Sooksawas arrived at the facility with the former leader’s lawyer, immediately triggering speculation about an imminent decision on his status. A source from the Department of Corrections told reporters,
“He meets the general criteria for parole.”
said the Department of Corrections source.
Parole possible after two-thirds of sentence
According to the account, inmates were reviewed four times a year, and Thaksin missed the December round because he had not yet served the minimum required time. This was not considered an obstacle, as a one-year sentence allowed for parole after two-thirds of the term, equivalent to eight months. Thaksin began serving his sentence on 9 September 2025, making May 2026 the key date, with the final decision resting with a dedicated commission.
Message from prison: good spirits and political focus
After the prison visit, Pidok spoke to the press and conveyed a personal message from the 76-year-old.
“He is in good spirits and feels less lonely now that he can follow the news and political debates,”
said Pidok Sooksawas, Thaksin’s son-in-law. Thaksin also sent encouragement to all Pheu Thai Party candidates contesting the 8 February election and expressed his condolences over a recent train accident.
Return from exile and reduced sentence
Thaksin returned to Thailand in August 2023 after more than 15 years in exile and was sentenced by the Supreme Court to one year in prison. The punishment had originally been higher but was reduced through a royal pardon, after which the billionaire and patriarch of the Pheu Thai Party began serving his term. His extended stay at the Police General Hospital in 2023/24 was not counted as time in custody.
Potential political earthquake after the election
A parole decision in May was described as a political earthquake, as it would come shortly after the general election in February. Thaksin would remain formally convicted but would be a free man, and his political influence over the Pheu Thai Party could reach a new level. The ruling of the parole commission was awaited with intense interest, amid expectations that it could once again shift the balance of political power in Thailand.