Justice Minister Pol Lt Gen Rutthapol Naowarat said any request for parole for former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra must pass through three committees before a final decision can be made, stressing that the process must strictly follow legal procedures.

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Speaking at Government House on 10 March 2026, Rutthapol said authorities have not yet received a formal request from Thaksin or his representatives. He noted that neither prison authorities, the Director-General of the Department of Corrections, the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Justice nor the minister himself had received any documentation so far.

His remarks came after reports that the Shinawatra family intends to submit a parole request later this month. Rutthapol said once the request is submitted, the matter would be processed through a clearly defined legal framework.

He explained that the procedure requires approval from three committees before any decision can be reached. These include the prison committee, the Department of Corrections committee and finally a committee within the Ministry of Justice.

The minister emphasised that he had instructed all relevant agencies to strictly adhere to the law throughout the process. He said the procedures were standard and must be followed regardless of the individual involved.

The issue has drawn public attention as Thaksin, a former prime minister, has been in custody for about six months. Political figures close to the Shinawatra family have recently indicated that a parole request may be submitted within March.

Rutthapol reiterated that no consideration can begin until the formal request reaches the relevant authorities. He said officials would review the application according to established legal criteria once it is submitted.

Amarin reported that the next step will depend on when the parole request is officially filed and forwarded to the relevant committees for review. Authorities will then proceed through the required stages before any final determination is made.

Picture courtesy of Amarin

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'approval from three committees before any decision can be reached.' Thailand in a nutshell. The Hub of Committees - every decision is 'mulled' through a variety of committees and they still manage to get it wrong and then have to do a flip-flop!

Are there no people in post with brains?

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Grant him parole with the release date being 2 days prior to the end of his full 12 months in prison.

That should keep most of the country happy

so now he must make sure all three panels receive their own special thanks instead of just one, way to make sure it is spread around more, surely he will get out now with so many receiving his special thankyou.

Yes, there will be some compensation for each member of each committee and Thaksin's family will be very grateful. Thailand is a peaceful nation where every issue can be solved with kindness and an envelope.

Thailand the hub of corruption with Thaskin as king

3 hours ago, seajae said:

so now he must make sure all three panels receive their own special thanks instead of just one, way to make sure it is spread around more, surely he will get out now with so many receiving his special thankyou.

This is exactly what I was going to say....

I almost forgot about this slimy former prime minister Thaksin. it's been awhile since he was in the news. Wow he's still alive. Now as far as corrupt persons what's happening with Red Bull Junior. I bet this guy is still living the high life. Thaksin should take lessons from him.

3 committees because he's Tony? Does the same apply to everyone that wants parole?

Obviously not heard of a parole board - that's 1 "commitee" & they say yes or no but have to keep the "boys" in their jobs probably earning far too much money

14 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

Justice Minister Pol Lt Gen Rutthapol Naowarat said any request for parole for former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra must pass through three committees before a final decision can be made, stressing that the process must strictly follow legal procedures.

Get today's headlines by email

Speaking at Government House on 10 March 2026, Rutthapol said authorities have not yet received a formal request from Thaksin or his representatives. He noted that neither prison authorities, the Director-General of the Department of Corrections, the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Justice nor the minister himself had received any documentation so far.

His remarks came after reports that the Shinawatra family intends to submit a parole request later this month. Rutthapol said once the request is submitted, the matter would be processed through a clearly defined legal framework.

He explained that the procedure requires approval from three committees before any decision can be reached. These include the prison committee, the Department of Corrections committee and finally a committee within the Ministry of Justice.

The minister emphasised that he had instructed all relevant agencies to strictly adhere to the law throughout the process. He said the procedures were standard and must be followed regardless of the individual involved.

The issue has drawn public attention as Thaksin, a former prime minister, has been in custody for about six months. Political figures close to the Shinawatra family have recently indicated that a parole request may be submitted within March.

Rutthapol reiterated that no consideration can begin until the formal request reaches the relevant authorities. He said officials would review the application according to established legal criteria once it is submitted.

Amarin reported that the next step will depend on when the parole request is officially filed and forwarded to the relevant committees for review. Authorities will then proceed through the required stages before any final determination is made.

Picture courtesy of Amarin

Related story

Parole-possible-for-thaksin-on-May-9-corrections-confirms

Join the discussion?

Already a member?

Adapted by ASEAN Now Amarin 11 Mar 2026

View full article

So he will be out and about Monday then 🤷🏼

On 3/11/2026 at 8:30 AM, mikebell said:

'approval from three committees before any decision can be reached.' Thailand in a nutshell. The Hub of Committees - every decision is 'mulled' through a variety of committees and they still manage to get it wrong and then have to do a flip-flop!

Are there no people in post with brains?

.. answered you own question !