BANGKOK, THAILAND – Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra could be formally considered for early release on parole from 8 May, according to his family and his lawyer.
Family marks 33rd prison visit
A family delegation visited Thaksin in prison at 10 a.m. on 19 January 2026, marking their 33rd visit since his incarceration. Present were his eldest son Panthongtae Shinawatra, Panthongtae’s wife Nattiya Puangkam, his daughter Pintongta Shinawatra Kunakornwong with her husband Nattapong Kunakornwong, and attorney Winyat Chartmontree. The meeting lasted about an hour, after which Pintongta told reporters her father had adjusted to daily life behind bars after more than four months in detention.
“The conversation went well, he has adapted,”
said Pintongta Shinawatra Kunakornwong, daughter.
Continuing support for Pheu Thai from prison
Pintongta said Thaksin continued to follow the activities of the Pheu Thai Party as it prepared for the 2026 parliamentary election. She explained that he was offering candidates mainly moral backing rather than detailed guidance.
“He continues to offer encouragement; there is no special message beyond that,”
said Pintongta Shinawatra Kunakornwong, daughter.
Despite his imprisonment, Thaksin therefore still played a role in the political environment of his party, which remained a central force in Thailand’s party system even after changes of government.
Debate over possible parole window in May
Responding to media reports that Thaksin might become eligible for general parole in May, Pintongta said she had raised the topic with her father. According to her, he only requested that the process be carried out strictly in line with existing rules and procedures. She also pointed out that, in her view, his being over 70 years of age meant he fell under the relevant provisions for a possible parole review.
Lawyer outlines legal criteria
Attorney Winyat Chartmontree confirmed that references in reports to 8 May were consistent with statutory requirements.
“The indications of a possible period in May are in line with the legal requirements,”
said Winyat Chartmontree, lawyer.
He stated that by 8 May Thaksin would have served eight months of his prison sentence. This, he said, met the corrections authority’s criteria under which parole could be considered once an inmate had served two thirds of the sentence, with one third still remaining.
Parole review not a guarantee of release
According to Winyat, a review option from May did not automatically mean release. He stressed that any actual decision on parole would still have to be made by the competent authorities. Factors such as age and time already served could be taken into account during the assessment, but the outcome would remain at the discretion of the responsible bodies.
Justice, politics and 2026 election questions
The discussion surrounding one date, one prison visit and one prominent name again placed Thailand’s justice system in the national spotlight. Questions were raised over whether the matter concerned only legal clauses and deadlines, or also issues of power, symbolism and political camps. Observers asked what a possible parole decision might mean for the 2026 election, and whether Thaksin was an inmate like any other or a lasting political constant regardless of where he was held.