Political activist Srisuwan Janya has petitioned The Ministry of Justice to oppose parole for former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, arguing he should instead face new charges. The move could affect Thaksin’s potential early release, as he becomes eligible for parole on May 9 after serving eight months, or two-thirds, of his sentence.
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The petition was submitted on Friday 20 March, to the justice minister, the ministry’s permanent secretary and the director-general of the Department of Corrections. Srisuwan claims Thaksin was directly involved in violating the enforcement of his original sentence and therefore should not qualify for parole. He also urged authorities to consider filing additional charges linked to the alleged violation.
Thaksin, 76, has been in custody since September 9 last year, when the Supreme Court ruled he must serve a one-year sentence for abuse of authority and conflict of interest during his tenure as prime minister prior to 2006. His sentence had initially been set at eight years following his return to Thailand on August 22, 2023, after more than 15 years in self-imposed exile, but was later reduced to one year by royal clemency.
The court did not recognise Thaksin’s extended stay at Police General Hospital during 2023–24 as time served in prison. He had been transferred there from Bangkok Remand Prison just 13 hours after entering custody, a move that has drawn scrutiny and criticism from some quarters.
Srisuwan’s petition adds pressure on authorities to review both the conditions of Thaksin’s detention and his eligibility for early release. It also raises broader questions about consistency in the enforcement of sentences and the criteria used to determine parole eligibility within Thailand’s justice system.
Officials have yet to publicly respond to the petition, and no decision has been announced regarding Thaksin’s parole status. The issue is likely to remain politically sensitive given Thaksin’s longstanding influence and connections, including his role as a key figure behind the Pheu Thai Party.
Bangkokpost reported that May 9 marks the point at which Thaksin becomes eligible for parole consideration, though approval is not guaranteed. Authorities will need to assess the petition and determine whether any alleged violations or additional charges affect his eligibility under existing legal frameworks.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now Bangkokpost 22 Mar 2026
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