Protesters petitioned Thailand’s Ministry of Justice to suspend the parole review process for former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, arguing that authorities had misinterpreted the law and ignored findings by the Supreme Court relating to his stay at the Police General Hospital while serving a prison sentence. The protest took place on Thursday 7 May, at the ministry’s Chaeng Watthana headquarters ahead of Thaksin’s scheduled parole release on May 11.
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The demonstration was led by the People-Student Network for Reform of Thailand (KPT), headed by activist Pichit Chaimongkol. The group submitted a formal letter calling on the justice minister to review and suspend decisions made by three parole committees that approved Thaksin’s release under electronic monitoring conditions. Ministry official Kittiwit Khongboonrak received the petition on behalf of the minister.
Mr Pichit said the Department of Corrections had wrongly cited Sections 92 and 93 of the Criminal Code, which deal with repeat offences within five years, when explaining Thaksin’s eligibility for parole. He argued that the key issue was whether Thaksin committed disciplinary or criminal violations during his detention after returning to Thailand in August 2024.
The Department of Corrections recently defended its handling of the case, insisting that the parole process complied with legal procedures and that the Supreme Court’s ruling did not affect Thaksin’s eligibility. Authorities stated that the former premier, whose sentence had been reduced to one year by royal pardon, still qualified for parole as a medium-class prisoner.
KPT claimed the department had distorted findings by the Supreme Court Criminal Division for Holders of Political Office, which ruled that Thaksin’s transfer for treatment outside prison was unlawful and that his medical condition was not critical. The group warned that officials involved in the process could face accusations of malfeasance under Section 157 of the Criminal Code.
Meanwhile, members of the Shinawatra family, including former prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, visited Thaksin at Klong Prem Central Prison on Thursday ahead of his planned release. Red-shirt supporters also gathered outside to show support for the former premier.
The Bangkokpost reported that parole decision remains under scrutiny as legal and political pressure continues to build before the scheduled May 11 release date. Authorities have not indicated whether the ministry will reconsider the parole committee decisions following the petition.
Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post
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Adapted by ASEAN Now Bangkokpost 9 May 2026
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