thaksin shinawatra granted

Thaksin Shinawatra Granted Parole, Set for Release on May 11

ByJustpaste.in

BANGKOK — Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra has been approved for parole without the requirement to wear an electronic monitoring device, with his release scheduled for May 11 following a meeting of a Ministry of Justice parole committee that reviewed more than 500 eligible inmates nationwide.

Thaksin Shinawatra Set to Walk Free on Parole in May

The decision was reached on Wednesday after a meeting chaired by Tharinee Saengsawang, the ministry’s deputy permanent secretary. The session lasted more than three hours and included representatives from multiple agencies, including the Department of Corrections, the Department of Probation, the Department of Rights and Liberties Protection, the Office of the Attorney-General, the Royal Thai Police and others.

The committee agreed that Thaksin, currently held at Klong Prem Central Prison, qualified for parole and would not be required to wear an EM ankle bracelet. The exemption was granted on the grounds that he is over 70 years old and has underlying medical conditions that make continuous monitoring impractical or unnecessarily burdensome.

Thaksin, 76, has been behind bars since September 9 last year, when the Supreme Court ordered him to serve a one-year sentence for abuse of authority and conflict of interest while serving as prime minister prior to the 2006 military coup that ousted him from power. The court notably ruled that it did not recognise Thaksin’s prolonged stay in a VIP ward at the Police General Hospital during 2023 and 2024 as qualifying for prison time, a decision that reset the clock on his incarceration.

As of May 11, Thaksin will have served two-thirds of his one-year sentence, the minimum threshold required for parole eligibility under Thai regulations. Corrections officials said the resolution would be submitted to the commander of Klong Prem Central Prison and probation officials to prepare for Thaksin’s release on that date. He will then remain under probation supervision for the remaining four months of his term.

Under standard probation conditions, parolees are required to report regularly to probation officers, reside at an approved address, comply with the law and refrain from activities that could lead to reoffending. Movement outside designated areas requires prior approval, and violations may result in parole revocation. However, given Thaksin’s age, health status and political stature, it remains to be seen how strictly these conditions will be enforced.

The decision to grant parole without electronic monitoring is likely to be controversial, given Thaksin’s high profile and the widespread expectation that he would at minimum be required to wear an ankle bracelet. His supporters will see the decision as a just recognition of his age and health; his opponents will view it as yet another example of preferential treatment for the powerful.

Supreme Court Orders Thaksin to Pay 17.6 Billion Baht Tax Bill for 2006 Shin Corp Share Transfer

Thaksin’s release on May 11 will mark the end of his formal incarceration, though he will remain subject to probation conditions for four additional months. The former prime minister, who has lived in self-exile for much of the past two decades, has been a polarising figure in Thai politics since his ouster in 2006. His return to Thailand last year and subsequent imprisonment were seen as a gamble: a calculation that the political winds had shifted enough to allow him to come home without immediate arrest. He was arrested, convicted and imprisoned, but less than a year later, he is walking free again—without even an electronic tag to mark his movements. For Thaksin, the gamble paid off. For his critics, the outcome was never really in doubt.

-Thailand News (TN)

Similar Posts

  • | | |

    Naqvi’s Iran visit focused on ties, regional pea…

    ByJustpaste.in

    ISLAMABAD: The Foreign Office on Wednesday said Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi’s ongoing visit to Iran is focused on strengthening bilateral relations, discussing security matters and supporting efforts for peace and stability in the region. Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said during his weekly briefing that Naqvi, who reached Tehran on Tuesday, was meeting senior Iranian officials as part of Pakistan’s diplomatic engagement. The spokesperson said the visit provides an opportunity for Pakistan and Iran to discuss bilateral relations, security concerns and developments in the region. He added that particular attention was being given to promoting peace, stability and constructive dialogue among regional parties. Naqvi was received in Tehran by Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni. He subsequently met Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and President Masoud Pezeshkian, according to Iranian media reports. Pakistan’s broader mediation efforts between Iran and the United States also featured prominently in the briefing. Andrabi said Islamabad remains engaged with other friendly countries to help address tensions and create conditions for dialogue. He said Pakistan was making efforts to bring the two sides to the negotiating table and build on the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding. According to the spokesperson, Islamabad wants diplomatic engagement to help reduce tensions and contribute to regional stability. Andrabi also said Pakistan would continue using both direct and indirect diplomatic channels to deal with obstacles to dialogue and encourage a constructive process for resolving outstanding issues. Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye defence pact The Foreign Office spokesperson also highlighted the recently signed defence agreement between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye. The pact was signed in Makkah last Friday and seeks to strengthen cooperation and collective deterrence among the three countries. Under the agreement, an attack against one member is to be treated as an attack against all signatories. Andrabi described the agreement as defensive in character and said it reflected the three countries’ longstanding ties and shared responsibility for regional security. He stressed that the pact was not directed against any particular country. Instead, he said, it provides a framework for coordinated efforts to address security threats and challenges facing the member states. Pakistan rejects India’s AJK remarks The Foreign Office also rejected recent comments by India’s Ministry of External Affairs concerning alleged human rights violations in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Andrabi termed India’s remarks baseless and questioned New Delhi’s criticism by pointing to what Pakistan describes as a record of repression in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir. He alleged that excessive use of force, arbitrary detentions, restrictions on political activity and extensive security powers continued to raise serious human rights concerns there. The spokesperson said India’s attempts to politicise developments in AJK could not divert attention from the situation in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s stated commitment to protecting fundamental rights and democratic freedoms in AJK.

  • |

    China rejects Pakistan’s waiver request

    ByJustpaste.in

    Chinese lenders and Independent Power Producers (IPPs) have turned down Pakistan’s request to write off nearly Rs 170 billion in late-payment surcharges. The refusal highlights the growing friction between the two long-standing allies as Pakistan struggles to navigate a staggering power-sector circular debt that continues to drag down its broader economy. The unpaid dues owed to 18 Chinese-backed power generation projects established under the CPEC have now increased to approximately Rs 423 billion. The financial bottleneck stems from a combination of structural inefficiencies within Pakistan’s domestic energy distribution network and systemic delays in clearing operational invoices. Under the original 2015 CPEC Energy Framework Agreement, Pakistan was legally obligated to ensure full and timely payments to power producers, backed by a designated revolving fund to cushion investors against domestic liquidity shortfalls. As payment deadlines were repeatedly missed over recent years due to severe foreign exchange constraints, contractual interest penalties accumulated to the tune of Rs 170 billion. While local power suppliers previously accepted debt-restructuring deals and fee write-offs to ease the burden on state coffers, Chinese energy firms have maintained a strict stance, citing global precedent and financial commitments to their own institutional lenders. This refusal creates an immediate impasse for Pakistan’s Ministry of Energy and financial regulators. The federal government had structured a massive Rs 1.225 trillion banking facility intended to retire the country’s broader circular debt stock. However, disbursement terms mandated that power producers accept renegotiated terms or offer discounts on late-payment fees before receiving principal clearances. Because the Chinese IPPs declined to waive the surcharges or offer similar concessions, billions in funds remain locked, leaving power plant operators facing severe liquidity squeezes that threaten regular fuel procurement and plant operation. Total Outstanding Dues: Rs 423 Billion. Requested Surcharge Waiver (Rejected): Rs 170 Billion. Principal Energy Cost Owed: Rs 253+ Billion. Pakistani negotiators are exploring alternative financial maneuvers to manage the expensive debt burden. Seeking low-interest bilateral funding including potential long-term loan packages in the range of $6 billion to $10 billion from partner nations like Saudi Arabia to retire high-cost Chinese energy loans. Requesting cabinet approval for extensions on expiring domestic banking facilities to prevent immediate default claims. Balancing the debt burden through structured tariff pass-throughs, though consumer capacity to absorb higher electricity prices remains extremely strained. The dispute underscores a delicate transition in the CPEC bilateral relationship. While both nations remain deeply committed to long-term strategic partnership and Phase-Two infrastructure development, commercial reality is setting a firmer baseline. Moving forward, resolving the sovereign debt backlog will require transparent structural reforms within Pakistan’s power distribution setup rather than relying on debt waivers from foreign investors.  

  • | |

    Eight killed as torrential rains devastate Sindh

    ByJustpaste.in

    Heavy monsoon rains continued to wreak havoc across Sindh, killing at least eight people and injuring another eight as widespread flooding disrupted life in several districts. The provincial government placed all rescue and emergency agencies on high alert and directed authorities to intensify relief efforts in the affected areas. The downpour caused severe urban flooding, inundated roads and residential areas, and damaged public infrastructure. Authorities warned that more rainfall could worsen the situation and urged residents to remain cautious. Hyderabad received an exceptionally high amount of rainfall, with a cumulative 360 millimetres recorded between August 1 and August 2. The continuous rain submerged roads, disrupted traffic and affected routine activities across the city. In Badin district, floodwaters created a major emergency after two breaches developed in the Mirwah Canal on Sunday morning. The breaches, measuring approximately 15 feet and eight feet wide, allowed water to flow into nearby settlements, flooding around 200 houses. Local authorities and rescue teams were deployed to assist affected families and assess the damage. The provincial government also took administrative action during the emergency. The Town Municipal Officer (TMO) of Umerkot was suspended for remaining absent from the district while the crisis unfolded. Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah directed all rescue organizations to remain on high alert and ensure a rapid response to emergencies. He instructed the Local Government Department that no government officer should leave their place of posting without prior permission until the situation improves. The chief minister also directed Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab, district administrations, town municipal authorities and other civic agencies to keep the city’s drainage network fully operational. He emphasized that all available machinery and staff should be deployed to ensure the quick removal of rainwater and prevent prolonged flooding. Murad Ali Shah ordered the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), the Irrigation Department, the Health Department, district administrations and rescue services to stay fully prepared for any further emergencies. He instructed officials to implement all precautionary measures immediately and provide timely assistance to affected residents.

  • | | |

    PTI lawmakers clash over Imran Khan’s release

    ByJustpaste.in

    The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa parliamentary party meeting reportedly turned tense as several dissatisfied lawmakers openly raised concerns about the party’s strategy for securing the release of PTI founder Imran Khan. The meeting was convened to discuss the political campaign for Khan’s release, but the session became disorderly following remarks by Chief Minister Sohail Afridi and members of the disgruntled group. According to details emerging from the meeting, the atmosphere became tense after the chief minister addressed the lawmakers. Members of the dissatisfied group reportedly delivered strong speeches and criticised the existing approach towards the campaign for Khan’s release. Their remarks upset Afridi, leading to a heated exchange during the session. The chief minister assured the disgruntled lawmakers that their reservations would be addressed. However, the assurance did not immediately resolve the differences. Some of the dissatisfied members reportedly left the meeting before it concluded. PTI lawmaker Fazal Elahi said all members of the parliamentary party had attended the meeting. He said the disgruntled lawmakers had demanded that the party organise a convention to formally administer an oath to its members. According to Elahi, a similar commitment should be sought from lawmakers for the campaign demanding Khan’s release, as was done during the Senate elections. Elahi stressed that the movement for Khan’s release should involve practical steps rather than remain limited to statements and discussions. He said the party’s founder could not be released through words alone and that members needed to demonstrate their commitment through action. He added that the remarks made by the dissatisfied lawmakers had caused displeasure during the meeting. The developments point to differences within the PTI parliamentary party in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa over how the campaign for Khan’s release should be pursued. Some lawmakers appear to be seeking stronger coordination and a more organised political strategy, while the party leadership continues to discuss its future course of action. The meeting is significant because PTI holds a strong political presence in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Any disagreement among its parliamentary members could affect the party’s political strategy and coordination in the province. The demand for a formal oath also indicates that some lawmakers want greater commitment from party members before launching further political activities.

  • |

    Pakistan raises power tariff by Rs0.75 per unit

    ByJustpaste.in

    Pakistan’s power regulator has approved a Rs0.75 per unit increase in electricity prices for consumers across the country under the monthly fuel cost adjustment mechanism. According to a notification issued by the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA), the revised tariff applies to the June 2026 monthly fuel cost adjustment. The increase will also affect consumers of K-Electric, with the additional charges appearing in August electricity bills. Earlier, the Central Power Purchasing Agency (CPPA) had requested a Rs1.20 per unit increase for June’s adjustment. However, after reviewing the proposal, NEPRA approved a lower increase of Rs0.75 per unit. The latest adjustment follows another tariff hike announced for May, when electricity prices increased by Rs0.34 per unit under the same monthly adjustment mechanism. Monthly fuel cost adjustments allow authorities to revise electricity tariffs based on fluctuations in fuel prices and the cost of power generation. These revisions can either increase or reduce consumer bills depending on changes in generation expenses.

  • | |

    Iran and Oman hold talks on Strait of Hormuz as re…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Diplomatic efforts to stabilize the Strait of Hormuz intensified this week even as tensions across the wider Middle East remained high, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu traveling to Washington for talks with President Donald Trump and multiple countries reporting drone interceptions linked to the ongoing conflict. An Omani delegation traveled to Tehran to discuss a possible mechanism for managing future shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran continues to reject the idea of alternative shipping corridors through the waterway, while Omani officials have proposed a regional consortium to oversee the mechanism without charging tolls. Iranian officials, however, are still pushing for what they describe as a service fee and want the arrangement placed under Tehran’s control. Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Esmaeil Baghaei, said talks with Oman over the strait took place over the weekend and described the discussions as useful, though he stressed that the situation in the strait itself remains unchanged and closed, and that the talks are unrelated to the United States. Baghaei also said Tehran has not requested a resumption of direct talks with Washington, calling that approach out of character for Iran. He said some Gulf countries had played a role in the American campaign against Iran without elaborating further, and added that Iran would not allow the United States to dictate how the conflict ends. Shipping data reviewed by analytics firm Kpler showed traffic through both the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el Mandeb strait remained severely reduced over the weekend. Eleven commodity vessels passed through Bab el Mandeb on Sunday, the lowest level recorded in months, following Houthi attacks on Saudi oil installations along the Red Sea coast and the group’s declared naval blockade against Saudi Arabia. Seven of those vessels were oil tankers. Meanwhile fewer than ten vessels per day moved through the Strait of Hormuz over the weekend despite the pause in US and Iranian strikes, with several transiting vessels reportedly operating with their transponders switched off. President Trump rejected suggestions that US forces were running low on munitions after two weeks of strikes on Iran, saying American stockpiles far exceed what the country needs. His comments followed reports that US military officials had privately warned the bombing campaign had exhausted its pre selected target list, and that General Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, had cautioned Trump about the risk of depleting munitions stocks, including interceptors used by American air defenses in the region. US Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz said the military has everything it needs, while acknowledging that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had inherited a depleted situation upon taking office. A senior Iranian official said Tehran would continue to hold fire as long as the United States does the same, describing the country’s position as strictly reciprocal. A separate Iranian source said there is more skepticism than optimism in Tehran about the pause, describing it as likely tactical rather than a genuine shift, given what the source called Iran’s extensive experience with perceived American deception. The pause followed a Friday meeting in which senior US military and political advisers, including Vice President JD Vance and Admiral Brad Cooper, the top American commander in the Middle East, reportedly urged Trump to scale back the bombing campaign. The renewed strikes had already unraveled an interim agreement reached the previous month aimed at ending the conflict. Against this backdrop, Netanyahu departed for Washington for his eighth meeting with Trump since the start of his second term, more than Trump has held with any other foreign leader. Netanyahu said Iran would top the agenda and described the trip as both an honor and a responsibility, saying his goal remains protecting Israel’s security and expanding regional peace. He also said he planned to visit Senator Lindsey Graham during the trip, calling him one of Israel’s closest allies. The visit comes as Netanyahu remains subject to an International Criminal Court arrest warrant issued in November 2024 over alleged crimes against humanity connected to the war in Gaza. Elsewhere, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defence said its air defenses intercepted and destroyed several drones aimed at petroleum facilities in the Eastern Region and Riyadh, attributing the attempted strikes to Iranian backed militias operating from Iraqi territory. Jordan’s armed forces separately said they intercepted two drones without identifying the source, while Israel’s military said it intercepted two additional drones near the Jordanian border and is investigating their origin. Baghaei also addressed Iran’s nuclear program, saying Israel would attempt to block the transfer of nuclear technology to countries in the region while insisting that peaceful nuclear development remains every nation’s right. He said Washington has previously expected Iran to collapse quickly under pressure but argued that the United States remains entangled in the conflict months later. He further claimed Washington tends to return to negotiations whenever global energy prices rise. Separately, Iran summoned the French ambassador over the detention of two French diplomats earlier this month by Iranian security forces. Baghaei said Iran demanded that the French government halt what he called interference in Iran’s internal affairs conducted under the guise of civil society engagement. He said the diplomats were detained and questioned for several hours before being released, and said one of them was physically mistreated. French Foreign Minister Jean Noel Barrot condemned the incident as a serious act of intimidation. For residents of Iran, the uncertainty surrounding the pause has become part of daily life. One Tehran business owner said the entire country feels stuck in limbo, describing the shifting pattern of strikes and pauses as exhausting and accusing Washington of neither ending the conflict nor pursuing it decisively.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *