The Department of Corrections confirmed on 9 May, it will not halt the parole release of former prime minister and de facto Pheu Thai boss Thaksin Shinawatra, despite a petition submitted by the Network of Students and People for Reform of Thailand (NSPRT) to Justice Minister Rutthaphon Naowarat.
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The department said Thaksin’s scheduled parole on Monday, May 11, complies fully with existing parole laws and regulations. Officials stressed that the decision followed standard legal procedures applied to inmates nationwide and was not designed to favour any specific individual.
The clarification came after NSPRT submitted a letter requesting authorities suspend the parole process. The group argued that Thaksin had allegedly benefited from an unlawful sentencing process and questioned whether disciplinary violations during his incarceration should disqualify him from early release.
In response, the Department of Corrections said the petition relied on incorrect legal interpretations and distorted the Supreme Court ruling connected to Thaksin’s case. Officials stated that the parole review subcommittee found no evidence that Thaksin committed disciplinary or criminal offences while in custody.
The department added that the subcommittee determined Thaksin met all required qualifications under the Corrections Act B.E. 2560 (2017), the Ministerial Regulation on the Benefits of Convicted Prisoners B.E. 2562 (2019), and its amendments under Regulation No. 2 B.E. 2564 (2021).
Authorities also reiterated that the parole consideration process was based strictly on factual evidence and relevant laws. According to the department, the same standards are applied to all inmates throughout Thailand.
The case has continued to attract public and political attention because of Thaksin’s long-standing influence within Thai politics and his close ties to the ruling Pheu Thai Party. Critics have questioned whether high-profile prisoners receive preferential treatment, while officials insist the process remains impartial and legally compliant.
The ThaiNewsRoom reported that the department’s statement is likely to intensify debate surrounding Thailand’s justice system and the handling of politically significant figures. However, no indication has been given that the parole process will be delayed or reconsidered. Unless new legal action emerges before Monday, Thaksin’s parole release is expected to proceed as scheduled on May 11.
Picture courtesy of TNR
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Adapted by ASEAN Now Thainewsroom 10 May 2026