Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is set to be eligible for parole on May 9, 2026, after serving the required two-thirds of his one-year sentence, according to the Department of Corrections. This development arises as the Central Klong Prem Prison committee considers inmates for general parole, a process still pending finalization before submission to higher authorities. Thaksin, who entered the justice system on September 9, 2025, would qualify under the standard release protocols.
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The procedure for parole begins with a prison-level committee compiling eligible inmate names, then passing them to the department committee for further screening. Finally, the list is reviewed by the Justice Ministry committee. Despite May 9 being a Saturday, authorities have stated they are committed to maintaining inmates’ rights, suggesting that, should parole be approved, the release would proceed as customary.
In anticipation of parole, officials are expected to verify documents early in the morning, after which relatives can collect released inmates to take them to their registered residences. It was clarified by Yutthana Nakruangsee, deputy director-general and spokesman of the Department of Corrections, that Thaksin will not require electronic monitoring due to the short duration of his sentence. Instead, he must adhere to reporting to probation officers as scheduled.
Upon completing the remaining four months of his sentence under parole, Thaksin would effectively serve his full one-year term, concluding on September 9, 2026. At that time, he will be issued a certificate of release, provided no parole conditions are violated, which would otherwise result in returning to prison to serve the rest of the sentence, reported Khaosod.
Key Takeaways
Thaksin Shinawatra is eligible for parole on May 9, 2026, after serving two-thirds of his sentence.
The parole process involves multiple committee reviews before final approval.
If approved, Thaksin will complete his sentence under standard probation requirements without electronic monitoring.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now · Khaosod · 25 Feb 2026
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