Former Thai PM Yingluck Faces Prison Return Amid New Detention Rules

[webfact]

File photo: Former Thai prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra

 

Former Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, currently living in exile, faces the prospect of jail time if she returns to Thailand. Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong clarified on Tuesday that Yingluck does not meet the criteria for a new alternative detention initiative, which seeks to reduce traditional prison use.

 

Yingluck, 57, was sentenced to five years in prison in absentia by Thailand's Supreme Court back in August 2017. The conviction was tied to charges of negligence that allowed corruption in her government's rice-pledging scheme, resulting in state losses of approximately 500 billion baht (around 13.6 billion USD).

 

Under the soon-to-be-launched alternative detention programme by the Department of Corrections, eligibility extends solely to those with jail terms of up to four years, thus excluding Yingluck from potential consideration. This was reaffirmed by both Justice Minister Tawee and Sahakarn Phetnarin, the DoC's director-general.

 

Tawee Sodsong emphasised that the new detention option aims to align Thailand with international corrections standards. He pointed out that the majority of Thai prisons are nearly a century old, with roughly 50 in particularly dire condition. Budget constraints mean that only one new prison can be constructed each year, contributing to chronic overcrowding.

An intriguing aspect of this emerging programme is its focus on decreasing reoffending rates. Research has indicated that inmates granted alternative detention arrangements are statistically less likely to commit further crimes compared to those who serve conventional terms.

 

Despite whispers suggesting the new programme could pave a path for Yingluck's return, the minister ardently denied these claims, stressing that the scheme is impartial. "The new option wasn't tailor-made for any specific person but for all who are eligible to receive it," he announced, dismissing rumours of preferential treatment.

 

Although the concept of alternative detention has gained traction in public discussions and appears broadly welcomed, some procedural elements remain unresolved. These will need to be addressed before the initiative can be fully rolled out, according to Tawee.

 

Yingluck's case continues to garner attention, as it intertwines legal proceedings with political dynamics in Thailand's ever-evolving political landscape. The potential return of the former prime minister poses additional questions about the nation's justice system and its broader implications on political reconciliation, reported Bangkok Post.

 

-- 2025-01-08

 

 

[sammieuk1]

Daddy paved the way with a lightning fast prison stay 🤔 

[JoePai]

to those with jail terms of up to four years

 

No problem - "him" will be asked to change the sentence to 3yrs 11mths as an act of clemency

[OneMoreFarang]

Why should other criminals go to jail and her not?

I would suggest that every person who moved out of the country to avoid jail should get double time jail when they return.

It's a joke that the criminals with the most money can just enjoy their ill-gotten wealth in the rest of the world and then think they should be able to return without punishment. 

[webfact]

No luck for Yingluck: Former PM ineligible for prison programme
by Puntid Tantivangphaisal

 

Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

Yingluck Shinawatra, former Prime Minister of Thailand, will not qualify for release under the forthcoming alternative prison detention programme if she returns to Thailand, as she does not meet the new eligibility criteria, stated Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong.

 

Yingluck was sentenced to five years imprisonment in August 2017. New regulations by the Department of Corrections (DoC) allow only those with sentences not exceeding four years to be considered for the alternative programme, as reiterated by Tawee and DoC director-general Sahakarn Phetnarin.

 

Now 57, Yingluck was sentenced in absentia in 2017 by the Supreme Court’s Criminal Case Division for Holders of Political Positions. She was found guilty of neglecting to prevent corruption in her government’s rice-pledging scheme, resulting in state losses of approximately 500 billion baht. Since then, she has been residing abroad.

 

The minister refrained from confirming whether Yingluck might become eligible if her sentence is reduced through a petition.

The minister highlighted Thailand’s need to align with international corrections standards, noting the country’s prisons are, on average, about 90 years old, with around 50 in poor condition. Due to budget constraints, only one new prison can be built annually, resulting in overcrowded facilities.

 

“Several other countries have adopted similar programmes.”

 

A Thai study revealed that prisoners allowed to serve part of their sentences outside prison have a lower reoffending rate compared to those who complete their sentences in prison, reported Bangkok Post.

 

Denying rumours that the programme was designed to aid Yingluck’s return, the minister stated, “The new option wasn’t tailormade for any specific person but for all who are eligible to receive it.”

 

While the programme has gained approval in public hearings, some issues remain unresolved before its implementation.

 

Source: The Thaiger 

-- 2025-01-08

 

 

[spidermike007]

This is pure total and unadulterated nonsense, she can return anytime she wants and there's about a 0% chance she'll be locked up, we all know anyone with that kind of money is above any and all laws in Thailand. All she has to do is strike a deal with the broken and corrupt judiciary and the army, just like her daddy did. 

[Krabi King]

2 hours ago, sammieuk1 said:

Daddy paved the way with a lightning fast prison stay 🤔 

It's his sister...

[LudwigK]

Have mercy...she will get sooooo sick too!!!! WHEN SHE ENTERS TH !!!

[Hunz Kittisak]

2 hours ago, OneMoreFarang said:

Why should other criminals go to jail and her not?

I would suggest that every person who moved out of the country to avoid jail should get double time jail when they return.

It's a joke that the criminals with the most money can just enjoy their ill-gotten wealth in the rest of the world and then think they should be able to return without punishment. 

Simply coz she’s not a crininal

shes a victim of political persecution 

 she’s was convicted during the tenure of a illegitimate government. 

[Reddavy]

3 minutes ago, Hunz Kittisak said:

Simply coz she’s not a crininal

shes a victim of political persecution 

 she’s was convicted during the tenure of a illegitimate government. 

Complete BS

[mfd101]

4 minutes ago, Hunz Kittisak said:

Simply coz she’s not a crininal

shes a victim of political persecution 

 she’s was convicted during the tenure of a illegitimate government. 

Yes, I would think that any jail term on her reentry would stir up many many fair-minded Thais to protest very loudly.

 

She should just hop on a plane and arrive. Shouldn't be too difficult for the PT-led guvamint to move the guideline pegs around to accommodate changing realities.

[jaideedave]

13 minutes ago, spidermike007 said:

This is pure total and unadulterated nonsense, she can return anytime she wants and there's about a 0% chance she'll be locked up, we all know anyone with that kind of money is above any and all laws in Thailand. All she has to do is strike a deal with the broken and corrupt judiciary and the army, just like her daddy did. 

I'm thinking that the wheels are already in motion for an easy return. She can use the props Tony had, wheelchair,neck collar,arm sling and throw in an eye patch for effect.The sympathy plane is on the runway as we speak.

[flexomike]

Shins own Thailand, she will never see one day in the slammer

[sfbandung]

Her charge is entirely political. Negligence? Jesus, almost every politician in the world would be in jail.

[flexomike]

20 minutes ago, Hunz Kittisak said:

Simply coz she’s not a crininal

shes a victim of political persecution 

 she’s was convicted during the tenure of a illegitimate government. 

BS

[Will B Good]

Former Thai PM Yingluck Faces Prison Return Amid New Detention Rules.........oh no she won't.

[Stiddle Mump]

She is very well thought of here in North Isaan. 

 

Tried to help the poor farmers. The elites didn't like it.

[1duckyboy]

I anticipate a royal pardon of one year for Yingluck who will then qualify for the new detention rules. 

[OneMoreFarang]

46 minutes ago, Hunz Kittisak said:

Simply coz she’s not a crininal

shes a victim of political persecution 

 she’s was convicted during the tenure of a illegitimate government. 

 

Do you have any idea what you are writing about?

Is a criminal not a criminal because someone else, who is also shady, exposed that criminal?

She and her family are some of the biggest crooks in Thailand. That should be obvious to everybody who pays attention.

[Grumpy one]

53 minutes ago, Krabi King said:

It's his sister...

Maybe, maybe not

Who knows with that family  🤐

[Lopburikid]

2 hours ago, OneMoreFarang said:

Why should other criminals go to jail and her not?

I would suggest that every person who moved out of the country to avoid jail should get double time jail when they return.

It's a joke that the criminals with the most money can just enjoy their ill-gotten wealth in the rest of the world and then think they should be able to return without punishment. 

I think you'll find it happens all over the world when it comes to politicians and celebrities. J Savile, G Glitter, and just recently the BBC news presenter caught watching children as young as 7-year-old being raped. Judge gave him a 6-month sentence, suspended for 2 years. If you know the right people you can get away with anything.

[Jack Hammer]

i am new here, where did the 500 million Baht go?   Who got the cream?

[hotchilli]

3 hours ago, webfact said:

Former Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, currently living in exile, faces the prospect of jail time if she returns to Thailand. Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong clarified on Tuesday that Yingluck does not meet the criteria for a new alternative detention initiative, which seeks to reduce traditional prison use.

Thaksin will work something out... he has the judiciary in his arse pocket

[OneMoreFarang]

3 minutes ago, Jack Hammer said:

i am new here, where did the 500 million Baht go?   Who got the cream?

Did you see the wealth statement from our Shinawatra PM? That should give you some ideas. 

[Jack Hammer]

12 minutes ago, Grumpy one said:

Maybe, maybe not

Who knows with that family  🤐

No similarity in features toTony..  

DNA required to verify paternity

[ignore it]

1 hour ago, LudwigK said:

Have mercy...she will get sooooo sick too!!!! WHEN SHE ENTERS TH !!!

Yeah,

She's booked appointments with his overseas doctors already to build an "I'm ill" backstory.

[billd766]

1 hour ago, Hunz Kittisak said:

Simply coz she’s not a crininal

shes a victim of political persecution 

 she’s was convicted during the tenure of a illegitimate government. 

Yet the military leaders of that illegitimate government were NEVER punished or executed for treason against the state. In fact not 1 general or leader of a military coup has ever been punished.

[billd766]

1 hour ago, Reddavy said:

Complete BS

Rubbish from you.

[billd766]

1 hour ago, mfd101 said:

Yes, I would think that any jail term on her reentry would stir up many many fair-minded Thais to protest very loudly.

 

She should just hop on a plane and arrive. Shouldn't be too difficult for the PT-led guvamint to move the guideline pegs around to accommodate changing realities.

Nor would it be too difficult for the military to pull yet another coup, or would it?

[jaideedave]

34 minutes ago, Jack Hammer said:

i am new here, where did the 500 million Baht go?   Who got the cream?

Yingluck, 57, was sentenced to five years in prison in absentia by Thailand's Supreme Court back in August 2017. The conviction was tied to charges of negligence that allowed corruption in her government's rice-pledging scheme, resulting in state losses of approximately 500 billion baht (around 13.6 billion USD).

 

Add more zeros.....