thaksin shinawatra set

Thaksin Shinawatra Set to Walk Free on Parole in May

ByJustpaste.in

BANGKOK — Imprisoned former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra will become eligible for release on parole in May, with the exact date and conditions of his release now clarified by Thailand’s Corrections Department following days of public speculation and multiple official announcements.

Thaksin Shinawatra Submits New Appeal for Royal Pardon

The Corrections Department issued a statement on Wednesday confirming the timeline for Thaksin’s parole eligibility, stating that the former leader will have served two-thirds of his one-year prison term on May 10, making him eligible for release on parole the following day, May 11 . This clarification came after earlier reports from some officials suggested a May 9 release date, creating confusion that the department moved to resolve with a detailed official statement.

The Calculation Behind the Release

According to the Corrections Department’s formal announcement, Thaksin’s sentence is calculated under Section 21 of the Criminal Code, with the first day counted as day one regardless of the number of hours served. Each month is counted as 30 days. Since his sentence runs from September 9, 2025, to September 9, 2026, it amounts to 12 months and five days. Two-thirds of this term equals eight months and four days, or 244 days, which falls precisely on May 10, 2026.

The department emphasized that Thaksin meets the eligibility conditions under Section 52(7) of the Corrections Act B.E. 2560 (2017) and a Justice Ministry ministerial directive on sentence reductions and parole, and that his parole has been considered and approved by the relevant committee in accordance with the law.

No Electronic Monitoring Required

Regarding the conditions of his release, Corrections Department deputy director-general and spokesman Yutthana Nakruangsi confirmed that Thaksin will not be required to wear an electronic monitoring bracelet due to the relatively short length of his sentence . However, he will be obligated to report to parole officers according to a set schedule throughout the remaining four months of his sentence, which will be completed on September 9, 2026 .

If parole conditions are violated, Yutthana warned, the individual would be returned immediately to prison to serve the remainder of the sentence . The final decision on whether any additional conditions, including electronic monitoring, would apply rests with the parole-review subcommittee.

Family Confirmations and Political Future

Thaksin’s daughter, former prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, visited her father at Klong Prem Central Prison on Thursday, marking her 43rd visit during his five months and 17 days of custody . After spending approximately 45 minutes with him, she confirmed to reporters that the parole process is proceeding according to procedure and that her father would meet the criteria on May 10.

When asked about Thaksin’s political future following his release, Paetongtarn stated that he has been in prison for six months and would likely step away from politics for certain . This statement comes amid widespread analysis suggesting that Thaksin’s continued political involvement, both openly and behind the scenes, was viewed as a key factor in his Pheu Thai Party’s historic defeat in the February 8 general election, where the party fell below 100 MPs for the first time.

A Complex Legal Journey

Thaksin’s current incarceration stems from a complex legal history dating back to his 2023 return to Thailand after 15 years in self-imposed exile . Upon his return in August 2023, he was initially sentenced to eight years for abuse of power and conflict of interest during his time as premier from 2001 to 2006. Shortly after, His Majesty the King commuted his eight-year sentence to one year.

Within hours of arriving at prison in 2023, Thaksin was transferred to a private suite on the 14th floor of the Police General Hospital citing health issues, where he spent six months without spending a single night in a standard prison cell before being granted parole in early 2024 . However, in September 2025, the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions ruled that the hospital stay was unlawful, finding that his condition was not a critical emergency and that the time spent in the hospital could not be counted as time served. The court subsequently ordered him to serve the full one-year commuted sentence behind bars.

Official Stance

The Corrections Department emphasized in its statement that consideration of parole for each convicted prisoner is carried out strictly in accordance with the law and human rights principles, without discrimination. The department added that once Thaksin completes his full sentence in September, he will receive a clearance certificate from the prison.

Former PM Thaksin Diagnosed with Neck Bone Deterioration in Bangkok Prison

Red-shirt supporters continue to gather outside Klong Prem Central Prison to show their support for the former leader, who remains a deeply polarizing figure in Thai politics despite his advancing years and legal battles.

-Thailand News (TN)

Similar Posts

  • | |

    Mirwaiz slams demand to end refugee seats in AJK

    ByJustpaste.in

    Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has strongly opposed calls to abolish the reserved legislative seats for Kashmiri refugees living in Pakistan, saying the voting rights of displaced Kashmiris are protected by constitutional and democratic principles and must not be undermined. His remarks came after reports that a banned Action Committee had demanded the abolition of seats reserved for refugees from Indian-administered Kashmir in the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) legislative framework. The proposal has sparked debate and criticism from political and social circles on both sides of the Line of Control. In a statement, Mirwaiz said millions of Kashmiri refugees residing in Pakistan have a legitimate constitutional and democratic right to participate in the electoral process, adding that these rights cannot be ignored or sacrificed. “The voting rights of Kashmiri refugees are an integral part of their constitutional and democratic rights,” he said, stressing that displaced Kashmiris deserve equal respect, representation and protection. Mirwaiz argued that the rights of refugees are inseparable from the collective rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He maintained that any political movement claiming to represent Kashmiris must ensure equal representation for residents of every region and community without discrimination. He warned that protecting the interests of one group should never come at the cost of another group’s constitutional rights. According to the Hurriyat leader, justice, equality and mutual respect must remain the guiding principles in resolving issues affecting the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Calling for dialogue, Mirwaiz urged all stakeholders to engage in consultations and meaningful discussions to find a balanced and widely acceptable solution. He said consensus-based decision-making was essential to preserving unity and protecting the democratic rights of all Kashmiris. The statement also criticized attempts to alter the existing representation of Kashmiri refugees, arguing that such moves risk deepening divisions rather than strengthening democratic participation. The controversy over refugee seats has emerged during a politically sensitive period in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, with electoral issues drawing increased public attention. While supporters of the proposal argue that reforms are needed, opponents insist that any changes affecting refugee representation must respect constitutional guarantees and the political rights of displaced Kashmiris. Mirwaiz’s intervention adds a prominent voice to the debate, highlighting the need for dialogue and consensus rather than unilateral decisions on issues involving the constitutional and democratic rights of Kashmiri refugees.

  • | |

    Italy and Denmark rally 22 EU states behind push f…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Italy and Denmark have secured the backing of 22 European Union member states for a joint push toward stronger border security, following a chaotic migrant surge into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta that left at least 19 people dead. Thousands of migrants attempted to reach Ceuta, located on Africa’s northern coast, on Thursday, with many swimming around breakwaters using inflatable devices while others scaled the high border fence separating Morocco from the Spanish territory. Official estimates put the total number of migrants who crossed into Ceuta from Morocco at around 60,000. The scale of the crossing prompted alarm among European leaders, with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni moving quickly to temporarily suspend Italy’s open border Schengen arrangement with Spain for one month, closing direct air and sea travel from Spain without passport checks. By Saturday, Italy had escalated its response further, joining Denmark in leading a coordinated diplomatic push. The two countries spearheaded a joint letter, signed by 22 EU member states, calling for urgent and coordinated European action on border security, deportations and human trafficking. Meloni wrote on social media that the scenes emerging from Ceuta underscored the urgency of a unified European response to illegal immigration. She said the letter, organized together with Denmark, calls for joint efforts to reinforce external borders, combat irregular immigration, target human traffickers, improve the effectiveness of deportations and remove any incentives that encourage further illegal crossings. She added that protecting the European Union’s external borders is not the concern of a single nation but a shared responsibility across the bloc. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez pushed back against the growing pressure, accusing several EU countries of a selfish, polarizing and unlawful response to the crisis. In a letter sent to Brussels, Sanchez said some European states have chosen to target Spain and push for its temporary removal from the Schengen area, driven by what he described as prejudice, misinformation, ignorance or political motives. EU officials were scheduled to hold an emergency meeting Saturday afternoon to determine next steps in addressing the unfolding migration crisis in Ceuta. The dispute highlights a long running fault line within the European Union over migration policy, as border states facing the brunt of new arrivals often clash with governments pushing for stricter continent wide controls, a tension that has resurfaced repeatedly during major migration episodes over the past decade.

  • | | | |

    Houthis strike Yemen forces, 10 killed in Marib

    ByJustpaste.in

    MARIB: At least 10 people, including eight members of Yemen’s government-aligned security forces and two civilians, were killed in fresh Houthi attacks in the oil-rich Marib province, raising fresh concerns over a possible escalation in the country’s fragile security situation. According to local officials and military sources, Houthi fighters targeted positions held by forces loyal to Yemen’s internationally recognised government with missiles and drones. The attacks reportedly struck several military locations in Marib, a strategically important province that has remained a major focal point in Yemen’s long-running conflict. The latest violence comes despite a significant reduction in large-scale fighting across Yemen in recent years. The renewed attacks have therefore sparked concerns that the relative calm could be disrupted and that low-intensity clashes could once again develop into broader military confrontations. Reports also indicated that Houthi attacks in Marib and neighbouring Hadramout on Friday resulted in additional casualties, suggesting that the latest violence may be part of a wider increase in militant activity across government-held areas. Marib holds particular strategic importance because of its oil and gas resources as well as its location. Control of the province has long been a key objective for both the Yemeni government and the Houthis. The latest strikes have added to fears of a new escalation in Yemen, where years of conflict have already caused a severe humanitarian crisis. Any renewed fighting around Marib could carry wider consequences because of the province’s economic resources and military significance. The Houthis, who control large parts of northern and western Yemen including the capital Sanaa, have been involved in a prolonged conflict with government forces and their allies. The fresh deaths underline the continuing fragility of Yemen’s security environment and could test efforts to preserve the relative calm that has emerged after years of intense fighting.

  • Father of School Shooter Apologizes as Police Uncover Boy’s Motives

    ByJustpaste.in

    BANGKOK – The parents of a 14-year-old student who opened fire at Debsirin Nonthaburi School faced police questioning this weekend. The tragic incident, which unfolded on Friday, left nine people dead and sparked national outrage over gun control. Law enforcement officials summoned the mother and father separately to uncover what led to the brutal massacre. […]

  • | | | |

    US, Iran and Oman near interim Strait of Hormuz ag…

    ByJustpaste.in

    WASHINGTON: A breakthrough agreement aimed at reopening the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz could be announced as early as Wednesday, with the United States, Iran and Oman reportedly nearing a temporary deal designed to restore maritime traffic and reinforce the fragile ceasefire between Washington and Tehran. According to a report by the US news website Axios, citing two regional sources and a US official, negotiations have reached their final stage after weeks of intensive diplomacy. The agreement is expected to provide a 60-day interim framework that could later be extended if both sides remain committed to its terms. Under the proposed arrangement, ships entering the Persian Gulf would travel through the northern shipping lane under Iranian oversight, while vessels leaving for the Arabian Sea would use the southern lane within Omani waters, coordinated in consultation with Iran. During the interim period, no tolls or transit fees would be imposed on commercial shipping. The deal also includes a commitment to clear naval mines from the central navigation channel within 30 days. Once the route is declared safe, it is expected to become the primary passage for two-way maritime traffic under a longer-term management framework jointly coordinated by Iran and Oman. The reported agreement would address some of Iran’s longstanding demands for a greater role in managing navigation through the strategic waterway, one of the world’s most important energy corridors through which a significant share of global oil and liquefied natural gas exports passes. Regional diplomatic efforts played a crucial role in bringing the parties closer to an understanding. Sources familiar with the talks said officials from Qatar, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia supported mediation efforts alongside Oman, while the White House remained actively involved throughout the negotiations. The report added that US envoy Steve Witkoff, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, and Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi held several telephone discussions in recent days to finalize outstanding issues. Regional sources said Araghchi had agreed to the proposal in principle over the weekend, pending approval from Iran’s senior leadership and the Supreme National Security Council. A US official and another regional source indicated that Tehran completed its approval process on Tuesday, clearing the way for a formal announcement. If confirmed, the agreement could ease tensions in the Gulf, reduce risks to global energy supplies, and revive broader diplomatic efforts, including discussions on Iran’s nuclear programme and long-term regional stability.

  • | |

    Oil surges above $100 as Red Sea attacks stokes fe…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Oil prices have surged above $100 a barrel for the first time since May, following Houthi attacks on oil tankers in the Red Sea that have stoked fears of a wider regional conflict. Brent crude spiked more than 5% on Thursday, as the Middle East conflict teeters on the edge of an “unimaginable spread of conflict.” Until Wednesday, oil was hovering around $90 per barrel, but the strikes in the Red Sea have put energy markets on edge. West Texas Intermediate, the US benchmark, was up almost 5% to $90.98 per barrel. The price surge comes after Yemen’s Houthi rebels announced a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia earlier this week, threatening the kingdom’s ability to bypass the Strait of Hormuz. The Houthis have targeted oil tankers in the Red Sea, disrupting shipping through the Bab el-Mandeb strait, a vital alternative route for Saudi oil exports. The attacks have raised concerns about global oil supply disruptions, with fears of a supply crunch intensifying as the conflict escalates. In response to the attacks, President Donald Trump issued a stern warning on Truth Social, stating: “If they do this again, the U.S. will hold Iran responsible, in that the Houthis are a Surrogate and/or Proxy of Iran, and major military punishment will be inflicted upon Iran and, of course, the Houthis, themselves.” The warning underscores the growing tensions between the US and Iran, as the Houthis’ actions are seen as part of Tehran’s broader regional strategy. Gas prices have also risen steadily over the past month, with average US gas prices surging to $4.09 per gallon. The spike in energy costs is expected to have a ripple effect on global economies, with inflationary pressures already mounting in many countries. The International Energy Agency has warned that the disruption to oil supplies could exacerbate the global energy crisis, particularly if the conflict in the Red Sea continues to escalate. The Houthi attacks come amid a broader escalation of the US-Iran war, with Iran launching attacks on US allies in the Gulf region and the US conducting strikes on Iranian targets. The conflict has already disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, and the Red Sea attacks add a new dimension to the crisis, threatening a key alternative route for oil exports. The international community has urged restraint, but the situation remains volatile, with both sides showing little willingness to de-escalate. As oil prices continue to climb, the economic impact of the conflict is being felt around the world, with consumers and businesses facing higher energy costs. The coming days will be critical in determining whether diplomatic efforts can prevent a wider conflict or whether the region will slide further into chaos, with devastating consequences for global energy markets and the world economy. The surge in oil prices serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of global energy supplies and the interconnected nature of modern economies. As the conflict continues, the world watches with concern, hoping for a de-escalation that would restore stability to energy markets and prevent further economic disruption.

Leave a Reply

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