Anutin Congratulates Thaksin on Sentence Reduction, Notes Bangkok is Small Enough for Them to Meet
PM Anutin congratulated former PM Thaksin on his impending sentence reduction and May 11 release, emphasizing their decades-long bond while suggesting Thaksin should prioritize family time before any political consultations.
At 2:20 PM on May 9, 2025, at Don Mueang Royal Thai Air Force Base Wing 6, Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul commented on former PM Thaksin Shinawatra's impending sentence reduction and prison release on May 11. Anutin stated his respect for Thaksin, noting he served under him for over 20 years and feels a bond like that between parent and child, offering congratulations to the Shinawatra family.
When asked if there would be opportunities to consult with Thaksin on matters within his expertise, Anutin said there are no restrictions, but he believes Thaksin should first spend time with his family. He remarked that Bangkok is compact enough that they may naturally cross paths someday and discuss matters then.
Anutin added that Thaksin's current situation, being newly released, is still technically under sentence reduction with limitations and restrictions on outside visitors. When asked whether analysts worry Thaksin might not abandon politics and could create political turbulence, the Prime Minister said he hasn't considered that possibility, noting only that Thaksin remains someone he respects.
