Protesters seek Thaksin parole halt

PUBLISHED : 8 May 2026 at 05:16

WRITER: Post Reporters

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Protesters petitioned the Ministry of Justice to suspend the parole review process for former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, alleging that authorities had misinterpreted the law and ignored key findings by the Supreme Court concerning his stay at the Police General Hospital while serving a prison sentence.

The protest was led by the People–Student Network for Reform of Thailand (KPT), headed by activist Pichit Chaimongkol, who submitted a formal letter to the Justice Ministry at its Chaeng Watthana headquarters on Thursday. The petition was received by ministry official Kittiwit Khongboonrak on behalf of the minister.

The group called on the minister to order a review and suspension of decisions made by three parole committees that approved Thaksin's release under electronic monitoring conditions.

Mr Pichit argued that the Department of Corrections had wrongly cited Sections 92 and 93 of the Criminal Code, which concern repeat offences within five years, in explaining why Thaksin remained eligible for parole.

He said the issue instead centred on whether Thaksin committed disciplinary or criminal violations during his detention after returning to Thailand in August 2024.

The Department of Corrections recently defended its handling of the case, insisting the parole process complied with legal procedures and that the Supreme Court's ruling did not affect Thaksin's eligibility.

Authorities said the former premier, whose sentence was reduced to one year by royal pardon, remained qualified for parole as a medium-class prisoner.

However, KPT claimed the department distorted the Supreme Court Criminal Division for Holders of Political Office's findings, which stated that Thaksin's transfer for treatment outside prison was unlawful and that his medical condition was not critical.

The group warned that officials involved could face accusations of malfeasance under Section 157 of the Criminal Code.

Meanwhile, members of the Shinawatra family, including former prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, visited Thaksin at Klong Prem Central Prison on Thursday ahead of his scheduled parole release on May 11. Red-shirt supporters also gathered to show support for the former premier.

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- KEYWORDS

- Thaksin shinawatra

- Thailand parole

- Department of corrections

- Justice ministry

- Paetongtarn shinawatra

- Thai politics

- People-student network for reform of thailand