BANGKOK, THAILAND – A viral photo that appeared to show ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra and rock star Sek Loso performing together on a prison stage was officially denied as fake by Thai corrections authorities.
Viral image raised questions over prison privileges
On social media, an image spread rapidly that seemed to capture an extraordinary scene: former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and jailed rock musician Sek Loso standing together on a stage inside Klongprem Central Prison. The picture immediately triggered speculation about special treatment for high-profile inmates and alleged privileges behind bars.
Corrections Department rejects authenticity
The Department of Corrections issued a clear public statement on Thursday, 5 December 2025.
“We have received confirmation from the prison. The image does not come from the official music event.”
said the Department of Corrections. The agency thus indirectly labelled the widely shared picture as a forgery or manipulation and stressed that no such joint appearance had taken place.
What actually happened at the prison music event
An official music programme titled “Positive Energy Behind Bars Through the Power of Music” did take place at Klongprem prison. As part of this long-running resocialisation activity, Sek Loso performed, and at one point fellow inmates asked him to sing a song. According to a family member who visited Thaksin, he was briefly asked to sing with Sek Loso, but this did not result in a joint stage performance with an audience and professional photograph.
Authorities feared perception of double standards
The swift denial was crucial for the justice authorities, which were wary of reinforcing perceptions of a two-tier justice system and special privileges for the prominent former leader. Officials warned that such an image could damage the credibility of the prison system. They instead emphasised that the music programme was intended to support the well-being and stress reduction of all inmates.
Music behind bars meant for all prisoners
The Department of Corrections underlined that the event was a creative and positive activity open to every prisoner, regardless of status. The programme, running for years, was described as part of broader efforts to promote resocialisation and mental health among the incarcerated population.
Origins of manipulated photo remain unclear
Who created and circulated the false picture remains unknown, and the motives are still a matter of speculation. Possible reasons ranged from political agitation to simple sensationalism, highlighting how quickly misinformation can arise online and become political tinder. For Thaksin Shinawatra and Sek Loso, however, one fact remained unchanged: they continued to be inmates at Klongprem prison, even if they were never on stage together as the viral image claimed.