Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

The Network of Students and People for Thailand's Reform (NSPRT) has petitioned the justice minister to scrutinize jailed former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra's eligibility for sentence suspension. The group contends that legal requirements might not be fully met in his case. This request follows comments by Pol Lt Gen Rutthapon Naowarat that a review of Thaksin's eligibility is expected soon.

Activists Pichit Chaimongkol and Nasser Yeema led the petition submission, emphasizing a need for a transparent review process. Thaksin, who could be considered for early release in May after serving two-thirds of his sentence, returned to Thailand on August 22, 2023, and began serving his prison term on September 9, 2025. NSPRT asserts that the suspension should not be solely dependent on time served.

The group raised concerns about potential irregularities and previous claims about Thaksin's health and whether such matters were accurately assessed. They highlighted that any misconduct while detained could impact his prisoner classification, affecting his eligibility for suspension. NSPRT urged clarity on Thaksin's status and any misconduct reviewed.

The National Anti-Corruption Commission's ongoing inquiries into Thaksin's sentence enforcement further complicate his case. Thaksin’s lawyer, Winyat Chatmontree, reported that the former prime minister remains healthy and engaged with upcoming political events, like the general election on February 8, reported Bangkok Post.

Key Takeaways

• A petition challenges Thaksin’s eligibility for sentence suspension based on potential irregularities.

• The NSPRT seeks transparency in the legal review process.

• Thaksin remains involved in political developments despite his imprisonment.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2026-01-23

 

 

He should fulfill his sentence.. he is pardoned enough.... those few months he can stay in jail, if he is still in jail..as there are no updates about his stay there anymore. Show the people that you can't get away every time with wrongdoings

Thaksin needs to man-up, do his sentence, and then when he gets out, I'll even respect him for doing his time for his crime instead to wielding his political power and attempt to whimp out with doctor excuses and then LARPing as in invalid. I found the latter to me more egregious than anything else.

So how many real jail photos have we seen?

No doubt we will have loads of real jail photos the day he is released,, of him walking out of prison..

Tony should be back in the news spotlight again shortly, same as before.

Thaksin is the 2nd man who should be locked up for life think you know the 1st

Insipid to consider suspension... how many years did he avoid serving his sentence while hanging out in Doha? That alone should add years to his sentence!

3 hours ago, redwood1 said:

So how many real jail photos have we seen?

That's valid.... does anyone know exactly where he is serving this sentence?

There needs to be reconciliation and healing before the country can move forward and make progress.

All these activists baying for blood is not the way forward. Thaksin needs to be free to make Thailand great again

21 minutes ago, Hunz Kittisak said:

There needs to be reconciliation and healing before the country can move forward and make progress.

All these activists baying for blood is not the way forward. Thaksin needs to be free to make Thailand great again

IMO, "reconciliation" and "healing" does not depend on one man, the country can "move forward" by shedding its perceived dependency on Thaksin, and by focusing on policies that will actually move it forward.

20 hours ago, ikke1959 said:

He should fulfill his sentence.. he is pardoned enough.... those few months he can stay in jail, if he is still in jail..as there are no updates about his stay there anymore. Show the people that you can't get away every time with wrongdoings

Let him apply, just drag out the review process...

1 hour ago, wombat said:

That's valid.... does anyone know exactly where he is serving this sentence?

From my reliable inside sources I heard he's with Red Bull who volunteered to act as a jail Warden. As for the location I have no idea. But I'm sure the high so RTP do.

19 hours ago, Hunz Kittisak said:

There needs to be reconciliation and healing before the country can move forward and make progress.

All these activists baying for blood is not the way forward. Thaksin needs to be free to make Thailand great again

Great again at what, precisely?

The never ending saga. I would settle for him going the way of Suthep; being quiet and staying out of the way of the young people who can improve the nation. He is past his due date. It's like an old washed up singer trying to recapture their glory days; Axl Rose, David Lee Roth, Heino etc.

The next meeting of the NSPTR will be held in the telephone booth at junction of Wireless Road and Rama 4 Road around teatime tomorrow.

On 1/24/2026 at 11:15 AM, Emdog said:

Insipid to consider suspension... how many years did he avoid serving his sentence while hanging out in Doha? That alone should add years to his sentence!

His time in jail and LinYuck returning is dependent on 1 thing. Who wins the election?

If PT pulls off a miracle and gets enough seats along with the BJT then the powers that be will be looking at them forming another joke. OOPS meant coalition.

If the People's Party gets in and has enough seats, there will be no suspension or return of the sister unless the PT puts forward a motion to remove or change 112. And Yeah you can look in the sky to see if you can see the flying elephants LOL

Right now, Thaksin's life is in the hands of the electorate.

How many RED AND YELLOW DECIDE THAT going Orange is not a bad thing. That is the only question really needing to be answered.

On 1/25/2026 at 8:59 PM, kingstonkid said:

His time in jail and LinYuck returning is dependent on 1 thing. Who wins the election?

If PT pulls off a miracle and gets enough seats along with the BJT then the powers that be will be looking at them forming another joke. OOPS meant coalition.

If the People's Party gets in and has enough seats, there will be no suspension or return of the sister unless the PT puts forward a motion to remove or change 112. And Yeah you can look in the sky to see if you can see the flying elephants LOL

Right now, Thaksin's life is in the hands of the electorate.

How many RED AND YELLOW DECIDE THAT going Orange is not a bad thing. That is the only question really needing to be answered.

Yes just like Trump, Tony’s future hinges on the coming elections results. Winner takes all.

Su-Su Khun Thaksin!