Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is set to be eligible for parole on May 9, 2026, after serving the required two-thirds of his one-year sentence, according to the Department of Corrections. This development arises as the Central Klong Prem Prison committee considers inmates for general parole, a process still pending finalization before submission to higher authorities. Thaksin, who entered the justice system on September 9, 2025, would qualify under the standard release protocols.

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The procedure for parole begins with a prison-level committee compiling eligible inmate names, then passing them to the department committee for further screening. Finally, the list is reviewed by the Justice Ministry committee. Despite May 9 being a Saturday, authorities have stated they are committed to maintaining inmates’ rights, suggesting that, should parole be approved, the release would proceed as customary.

In anticipation of parole, officials are expected to verify documents early in the morning, after which relatives can collect released inmates to take them to their registered residences. It was clarified by Yutthana Nakruangsee, deputy director-general and spokesman of the Department of Corrections, that Thaksin will not require electronic monitoring due to the short duration of his sentence. Instead, he must adhere to reporting to probation officers as scheduled.

Upon completing the remaining four months of his sentence under parole, Thaksin would effectively serve his full one-year term, concluding on September 9, 2026. At that time, he will be issued a certificate of release, provided no parole conditions are violated, which would otherwise result in returning to prison to serve the rest of the sentence, reported Khaosod.

Key Takeaways

• Thaksin Shinawatra is eligible for parole on May 9, 2026, after serving two-thirds of his sentence.

• The parole process involves multiple committee reviews before final approval.

• If approved, Thaksin will complete his sentence under standard probation requirements without electronic monitoring.

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now · Khaosod · 25 Feb 2026

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It’s about time

And next will be Yingluck

Out just in time to play about with the coalition.

All within the law so can't say much. But why was I expecting this all along? Was his bed comfy? Did he get his After Eight minutes every night? But all legal I suppose.

So he has to return back to prison a couple days before the official release?

When he exits the prison will he be sporting a suntan? Will his arm be in a sling? Will his family pick him up in the Maybach sedan or the SUV? These are the questions keeping me awake at night.

Hopefully the LM charge will follow as soon as he is released

Did he learn his lesson and give up politics? I don't think so.

Personally, I think he (and his family) is fading. I doubt Thaksin's family will ever be a major player again. The people who voted PT in this election are aging - this might be their last kick at the can as a coalition member of government.

That's fine. He should have just opted for jail time years ago then this entire fiasco would be over. Do your time, don't whine, people will then respect you. Yingluck - want to come back to Thailand? There's the solution: "Do your time, don't whine, people will then respect you," and then you can get on with your life. Otherwise, enjoy asylum in whatever country you're holed up in and don't complain.

6 minutes ago, connda said:

He should have just opted for jail time years ago then this entire fiasco would be over.

Or just stayed in Dubai. It was crazy to come back, but I guess he thought nothing bad would happen to him.

Damn, May 9th is my birthday, won't be celebrating his release thats for sure

56 minutes ago, connda said:

Otherwise, enjoy asylum in whatever country you're holed up in and don't complain

She does not have asylum anywhere.

2 hours ago, davb said:

Or just stayed in Dubai. It was crazy to come back, but I guess he thought nothing bad would happen to him.

My own hunch is he was conned into it. He believed the con, came back for the first charge which was thrown out, and so he believed all charges were going to be scrapped. Surprise! I think it was a trap by his enemies and he walked right into it.

Just now, ronnie50 said:

My own hunch is he was conned into it. He believed the con, came back for the first charge which was thrown out, and so he believed all charges were going to be scrapped. Surprise! I think it was a trap by his enemies and he walked right into it.

He promised to be low key, he was the opposite. Karma caught up with him.

3 minutes ago, marin said:

He promised to be low key, he was the opposite. Karma caught up with him.

Maybe. I think it was a trap - but in any case, his actions were pretty stupid once back in Thailand.

The number of farang Thaksin haters hasn't really changed I notice. I remember the ThaiVisa days - real vile, hatred, spewing..

They never got banned - which was interesting. They seemed to be on the 'right side' of things back then, while anyone with sympathies to the 'red shirts' or anti-coup talk had to be very careful about what they posted.

So that was then, history. But I don't get this endless grudge about Thaksin though. Like I said above, Thaksin's days and his family dynasty are fading.

Great news, congrats P'Thaksin.

Well, given the fact he got NINE YEARS off his initial sentence, I‘d say doing the full year would only be fair!

This is p*ssing off the haters.

Good on ya Mr T.

Welcome back Mister Thaksin! Enjoy your retirement up North with your family, friends and supporters.

Ditch the establishment riff raff down South!

2 hours ago, ronnie50 said:

The number of farang Thaksin haters hasn't really changed I notice. I remember the ThaiVisa days - real vile, hatred, spewing..

They never got banned - which was interesting. They seemed to be on the 'right side' of things back then, while anyone with sympathies to the 'red shirts' or anti-coup talk had to be very careful about what they posted.

So that was then, history. But I don't get this endless grudge about Thaksin though. Like I said above, Thaksin's days and his family dynasty are fading.

I hold a grudge against anyone who does not hold a grudge against Tony....

If someone like Tony wants to be corrupt, ok, fair enough....

But dont Yap about how others should be paying taxes when your the biggest tax dodger in the history of Thailand...

Anyone who supports Tony needs to also be locked up in the slammer...

1 hour ago, redwood1 said:

Anyone who supports Tony needs to also be locked up in the slammer...

Anyone (Thai) who does not support Thaksin should not be allowed medical tratment under the Universal Healthcare scheme.

Is Thaksin banned from holding a government office? Are there any restrictions placed on him once he is released?

16 hours ago, Hunz Kittisak said:

It’s about time

And next will be Yingluck

There is absolutely no reason why she would be getting parole soon.

Why?

Really? If he can , then also do with many others in prison ! Only fair.

Amazing is a Prayut never went to prison, as was shown in AN, his income and wealth was questionable.

All the military head pieces were never convicted or even being in court, after fraude.

They had their own organisation , doing in houses, land, malls, and many other things.

TIT.

What you really do is, condemning a police officer Paween Ponsirin, doing his job.

He had to run for his life. Why is this man never been rehabiltated?

He showed Thailand, there is a lot going wrong in trafficking, fraude and so on.

Let down by his entire police and justice force and threatened to be killed.

Still the killers on loose feet and trying when coming back to Thailand?!

Shame on you Thailand, really deep shame !

Government and within justice department shameless !

But is it the last Thaksin will see of prison?

18 hours ago, Liverpool Lou said:

She does not have asylum anywhere.

.. and to that "Thank you 3x !"

11 hours ago, Deserted said:

But is it the last Thaksin will see of prison?

Yes, definitely!!

20 hours ago, xtrnuno41 said:

Really? If he can , then also do with many others in prison ! Only fair

They do.