Thaksin Shinawatra Parole Review Advances at Klong Prem Prison

Authorities have confirmed that Thaksin Shinawatra is among 10 inmates who have met the criteria for parole consideration at Klong Prem Central Prison, with final approval expected within a month. The development marks a significant step in the legal process that could see his conditional release as early as 11 May 2026.

Get today's headlines by email

At 15:00 on 31 March 2026, a prison committee convened to review eligible inmates who met the legal requirements for parole under Thai law. The panel, chaired by the prison commander, included representatives from the Department of Provincial Administration, the Probation Department, the Office of the Narcotics Control Board, the Royal Thai Police and appointed prison officials.

The committee concluded that 10 prisoners qualified for parole consideration, including Thaksin Shinawatra under general parole provisions. Their names will now be forwarded to the Department of Corrections for further verification of documentation and qualifications before being submitted to a subcommittee for final review.

The subcommittee will assess multiple factors, including the nature and severity of offences, behaviour during incarceration, rehabilitation progress, time served, and suitability of post-release supervision. It will also evaluate the reliability of custodians, potential risks of reoffending, and broader public safety implications.

If approved by both the subcommittee and the responsible minister, probation officers and local police will be tasked with supervising compliance with parole conditions. Released inmates must report regularly and adhere strictly to regulations outlined in the Ministerial Regulation on Inmate Benefits B.E. 2562 (2019).

A key consideration is whether Thaksin Shinawatra will be required to wear an electronic monitoring (EM) bracelet. This decision will depend on factors such as his health, age, risk assessment, living environment, and community safety.

SiamRath reported that the parole process follows Section 52 of the Corrections Act B.E. 2560 (2017) and relevant ministerial regulations. Authorities emphasise that the system is designed to support rehabilitation while maintaining public safety. If all stages proceed as expected, a final decision on parole and supervised release could be implemented by 11 May 2026.

Join the discussion?

Already a member?

Adapted by ASEAN Now SiamRath 1 Apr 2026