In a development confirmed by a reliable source at Government House, former Prime Minister of Thailand, Thaksin Shinawatra, is slated to walk free from prison this weekend, raising eyebrows and inciting both anticipation and protest.
Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong officially disclosed on Tuesday, February 13, that Thaksin, a convicted former prime minister, is set to be released on parole, joining the ranks of 930 inmates approved for parole by a special committee. Tawee revealed that the Department of Corrections had proposed parole for an astonishing 945 inmates this month alone, highlighting the substantial number of cases considered for early release.
The 74-year-old tycoon, imprisoned for eight years upon his return to Thailand in August last year after evading authorities for 15 years abroad, met the stringent parole criteria. Tawee clarified that Thaksin’s advanced age, severe illnesses, and having served over six months of his one-year sentence were key factors in his eligibility. The justice minister added that, according to regulations, the remaining sentence must not exceed ten years.
“In accordance with the regulations, a prisoner becomes eligible for parole after serving at least one-third of their sentence or a minimum of six months if one-third falls short of that duration,” Tawee explained.
Thaksin’s potential release is scheduled for either February 17 or 18, as communicated by the director-general of the Department of Corrections. However, the situation has not been without controversy, as protesters from The Network of Students and People for Reform of Thailand gathered in front of the Police General Hospital, demanding transparency regarding Thaksin’s health.
Phichit Chaimongkhon, the group’s leader, accused Thaksin of feigning illness to avoid imprisonment. The group, prevented by the police from entering the hospital premises, insists on verifying Thaksin’s actual medical condition. Phichit claimed that Thaksin had been receiving VVIP treatment, alleging that staying on the hospital’s 14th floor should not be considered imprisonment, as ordered by the court. Additionally, he plans to provide CCTV cameras to the hospital, emphasizing the need for transparency in Thaksin’s case.
As the controversial release of Thaksin Shinawatra looms, the public remains divided, with concerns raised over the grounds for parole and the former prime minister’s actual health condition. This development adds a new layer of complexity to the already contentious narrative surrounding Thaksin’s return to Thailand and subsequent imprisonment.
