File photo courtesy of Reuters

 

In a stark reversal of fortune, former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, once among the nation's wealthiest and most influential figures, now faces harsh conditions in a Bangkok maximum security prison. Ordered by the Supreme Court to serve a year in jail after spending time in a hospital instead, Thaksin faces a life of stark deprivation in Klong Prem prison, a facility notorious for its austere conditions.

 

Thaksin's initial eight-year sentence for conflicts of interest and abuse of power during his tenure from 2001 to 2006 was reduced to one year by royal clemency. After returning from self-exile in August 2023, he was released on parole in February 2024, living a life of luxury in Bangkok before his recent arrest and transfer to Klong Prem.

 

The prison, home to roughly 6,500 inmates and some high-profile figures, presents a jarring contrast to Thaksin's previous lifestyle. Known for its tough environment, it held infamous international arms dealer Viktor Bout, and detainees have described the conditions as bleak and daunting.

 

According to activist Somyot Pruksakasemsuk, who spent over seven years in Thai prisons, including Klong Prem, life inside is harsh. Inmates cope with minimal comforts, sleeping on the floor with just three blankets and surviving on bland meals. The shared bathing facilities, a large tub of water, pose additional risks, often leading to violence.

 

The former corrections official, choosing anonymity due to the sensitivity of the case, confirmed these conditions. Thaksin, aged 76, is currently undergoing a five-day quarantine, isolated from visitors and communication, according to his lawyer, Winyat Chatmontree.

 

The prison's arrangement is strict, with 11 zones including sections for different sentence lengths and a special area for high-risk inmates. Thaksin is likely housed with elderly political prisoners, reducing the risk of contact with more dangerous offenders.

 

However, due to Thaksin's controversial past policies, tensions remain high. Awareness of potential threats from political adversaries or those affected by his previous government actions is vital for authorities. This awareness might lead to heightened security measures and potentially sheltering him with other influential prisoners, a practice known as establishing a "big man" status within the prison community.

 

Despite these severe conditions, there is a possibility for Thaksin to serve some of his time under house arrest. Yet, for a figure who once enjoyed immense power and luxury, the transition to prison life marks a significant downfall.

 

Reflecting on his own experience, Somyot eloquently summarised the emotional toll of incarceration. "You lost your freedom, you lost your comfort, you lost your life in terms of politics and reputation," he stated. Thaksin must similarly reconcile with these losses as he navigates this challenging chapter of his life.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-09-11

 

 

No need to hear more about Thaksin now. He don´t have it worse than anybody else. He just have to suck it up after breaking the law. The guy should have much more than only 1 year.

I pray nothing drastic happens like him dropping the soap. 

Can the news about Thaksin stop please....He is in jailband the more he faces the reality in jail the better it is....

1 hour ago, ikke1959 said:

Can the news about Thaksin stop please....He is in jailband the more he faces the reality in jail the better it is....

I thought he got 8 years 

16 minutes ago, still kicking said:

I thought he got 8 years 

Now one.

Just now, couchpotato said:

Now one.

Yes, I know, but who reduced it to one?

15 minutes ago, still kicking said:

Yes, I know, but who reduced it to one?

The highest institution in the land.

14 minutes ago, couchpotato said:

The highest institution in the land.

Well, what can I say?

With a little money, he can buy comforts. extra bedding, foods, phone calls. pffft he can lessen the blow and turn the solitary confinement cell into a hotel room. Mattress and all. Guards in there including deputy wardens TAKE BRIBES FOR FAVORS. 

6 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Despite these severe conditions, there is a possibility for Thaksin to serve some of his time under house arrest.

Watch this space!

Seems I got a new cell mate.  Hopefully it means better food 

 

14 hours ago, Gottfrid said:

No need to hear more about Thaksin now. He don´t have it worse than anybody else. He just have to suck it up after breaking the law. The guy should have much more than only 1 year.

The only news I would find satisfying to red would be Thaksins demise inside the prison by another inmate. There is a stark reality that death comes cheap and easily inside this prison. a few thousand baht would be all that was needed. Given his list of enemies is greater than his list of friends. the prison has best keep him locked up in solitary confinement if they expect him to live through this year long prison term. 

On another note. Has anyone ready yet if someone has filed a case to have Thaksins clemency reversed due to his using his poor health as a reason to be given such a clemency 

15 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Thaksin faces a life of stark deprivation in Klong Prem prison, a facility notorious for its austere conditions.

I'm sure a cell has been spruced up for him, lets face it he's a 70+ year old infirm patient

20 minutes ago, thesetat said:

The only news I would find satisfying to red would be Thaksins demise inside the prison by another inmate. There is a stark reality that death comes cheap and easily inside this prison. a few thousand baht would be all that was needed. Given his list of enemies is greater than his list of friends. the prison has best keep him locked up in solitary confinement if they expect him to live through this year long prison term. 

On another note. Has anyone ready yet if someone has filed a case to have Thaksins clemency reversed due to his using his poor health as a reason to be given such a clemency 

To wish him dead is rather stark. He has family and children like anybody else. After that, no one will be able to do anything about the pardon/clemency. In Thailand, a royal pardon (พระราชทานอภัยโทษ) granted by the King is final and irreversible. Once a pardon is formally issued by royal command, it has the force of law and cannot be revoked, canceled, or challenged by the courts or government agencies.

There is also no problem for him inside prison. He will have a rather comfortable cell, isolated from other prisoners and have already been assigned a well-behaved prisoner as butler.

Just now, Gottfrid said:

To wish him dead is rather stark. He has family and children like anybody else. After that, no one will be able to do anything about the pardon/clemency. In Thailand, a royal pardon (พระราชทานอภัยโทษ) granted by the King is final and irreversible. Once a pardon is formally issued by royal command, it has the force of law and cannot be revoked, canceled, or challenged by the courts or government agencies.

I do not wish him dead.. But there is a distinct possibility it may happen

27 minutes ago, thesetat said:

I do not wish him dead.. But there is a distinct possibility it may happen

Nah, of course it´s possible, but what you are talking about is very far-fetched. He will be like a little Don in the prison, with his own guards, a prison butler, an everything he might need.

I find it hard to feel sorry for him. I feel sorry for the poor soul.... now a not-quite-so-poor soul...... wearing his name for him, or about to do so.

 

Just the same as a few other convicted hi-so criminals.

15 hours ago, blaze master said:

I pray nothing drastic happens like him dropping the soap. 

In normal situations, yes. However, he will have a private shower.

17 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

According to activist Somyot Pruksakasemsuk, who spent over seven years in Thai prisons, including Klong Prem, life inside is harsh. Inmates cope with minimal comforts, sleeping on the floor with just three blankets and surviving on bland meals. The shared bathing facilities, a large tub of water, pose additional risks, often leading to violence.

Are 100% sure Thaksin will be exposed to these harsh conditions... pull the other leg it's got bells on.

He will be ok. If you have money that can be used from the outside, you can considerably smooth the edges off in jail.

11 hours ago, still kicking said:

Yes, I know, but who reduced it to one?

Not even one week!! GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

Is he really in jail or just a photo op and then back 

to house arrest.

15 minutes ago, FlorC said:

Is he really in jail or just a photo op and then back 

to house arrest.

Or living the good life in Dubai with a body double doing time for him

 

18 hours ago, Gottfrid said:

No need to hear more about Thaksin now. He don´t have it worse than anybody else. He just have to suck it up after breaking the law. The guy should have much more than only 1 year.

 

"The guy should have much more than only 1 year."

 

Agree, and he created his own situation - you reap what you sew.

1 hour ago, hotchilli said:

Are 100% sure Thaksin will be exposed to these harsh conditions... pull the other leg it's got bells on.

Of course he wont be sleeping on the floor with others.

 

He will have his own cell or living with another prisoner who has been vetted, a buddy to take care of him from other prisoners.

 

When his quarantine period has ended on Monday he will be giving English language lessons to select prisoners from his cell.

Whilst waiting for a King's pardon, house arrest or severe illness.

Why are there so many reports on Aseannow when all can be condensed into one?  

 

 

18 hours ago, blaze master said:

I pray nothing drastic happens like him dropping the soap. 

Many hope something does.

11 minutes ago, anchadian said:

Of course he wont be sleeping on the floor with others.

 

He will have his own cell or living with another prisoner who has been vetted, a buddy to take care of him from other prisoners.

 

When his quarantine period has ended on Monday he will be giving English language lessons to select prisoners from his cell.

Whilst waiting for a King's pardon, house arrest or severe illness.

Why are there so many reports on Aseannow when all can be condensed into one?  

 

 

so you are saying that he should break the law again  by teaching         he is in a government facility  and teaching he should have a license to teach  don't believe he has 

3 hours ago, Gottfrid said:

To wish him dead is rather stark. He has family and children like anybody else.

This is the man who had over 3000 alleged drug dealers killed without trial. He is ruthless.

13 hours ago, still kicking said:

Yes, I know, but who reduced it to one?

Are you questioning the King's clemency? Dangerous ground.