BANGKOK, THAILAND – Relatives and a lawyer visited former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra in Klongprem Central Prison as Red Shirt supporters prepared a major rally around his expected parole date.
Visit number 46 at the prison
Panthongtae Shinawatra, the eldest son of Thaksin, arrived at the prison together with his wife. Shortly afterwards, Pintongtha Shinawatra came with her husband, along with Winyat Chatmontri, the former premier’s lawyer.
According to people close to the family, this was already the 46th visit since Thaksin returned to custody to begin serving his sentence. The unusually high frequency of visits underscored how closely the family maintained contact as political pressure grew inside and outside the prison gates.
Series of family visits
Those around the case said the ongoing stream of relatives to Klongprem Central Prison highlighted the importance the family attached to this phase of imprisonment. Observers noted that the steady pattern of visits took place against the backdrop of intensifying debate over Thaksin’s future.
The mounting attention on every prison visit reflected expectations that the coming parole decision could mark a turning point in Thai politics. Supporters treated each appearance of family members as a signal that the decisive date was drawing closer.
Red Shirts turn up the heat
Red Shirt supporter Pusadee Klintong said anticipation among followers had been rising noticeably as the hoped‑for date approached.
“The expectation among supporters has been visibly increasing as the hoped-for date comes closer.”
said Pusadee Klintong, Red Shirt supporter.
She stated that since the start of Thaksin’s imprisonment, Red Shirts had held 24 rallies in front of Klongprem Central Prison.
“Since the beginning of Thaksin’s detention, Red Shirts have held 24 demonstrations in front of Klongprem Central Prison.”
said Pusadee Klintong, Red Shirt supporter.
May 9 threshold and parole rule
According to Pusadee, by 9 May Thaksin would have served a total of eight months, amounting to two thirds of his sentence.
“By 9 May, Thaksin will have served eight months in total and thus two thirds of his sentence.”
said Pusadee Klintong, Red Shirt supporter.
On that calculation, he would in principle be eligible for parole, making the date a key political milestone for his supporters. The possibility of conditional release turned what would normally be a routine procedural step into a nationally watched moment.
Hearing on 10 May, possible release next morning
The parole hearing was therefore expected to take place on 10 May, according to supporters’ accounts. Activists closely linked this procedural date to their broader campaign for Thaksin’s return to public life.
Supporters cited 11 May, 8 a.m. as a potential time for his release, the morning after the anticipated parole decision. They treated that hour as a symbolic target, even as the formal outcome remained in the hands of the authorities.
Rally and night vigil outside Klongprem
For 10 May, supporters planned to gather once again outside Klongprem Central Prison. The rally was scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. and continue overnight into the morning of 11 May.
Organisers intended the all‑night presence as a vigil while the parole process unfolded. The extended demonstration was set to test how the state would handle politically charged gatherings around sensitive judicial and prison decisions.