Former Spokesperson Confident Thaksin Will Use Sentence Remission for Family Time, Not Revenge
Former Thai for Thais Party spokesperson Prompong Nopradit said ex-PM Thaksin will receive a sentence remission on May 11 and is unlikely to seek revenge at age 76, while urging Thai society to forgive and move forward from decades of polit
On May 9, 2025, former Thai for Thais Party spokesperson Prompong Nopradit stated that former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is set to receive a sentence remission on May 11, but some activists and groups continue to oppose it.
Nopradit noted that these same groups previously urged Thaksin to return to Thailand and face the justice system. After Thaksin complied, proceeded through all legal channels, and served two prison terms, they remain unsatisfied. The Justice Minister has clarified that the remission process follows proper procedures and does not violate political speech restrictions.
He argued that Thai society has been trapped in conflict for over 20 years because some people harbor grudges and refuse forgiveness. At 76 years old, Thaksin has followed all regulations without resistance, even accepting an electronic monitoring bracelet. Nopradit questioned what activists expect and urged society to forgive, move forward, and let go of past grievances.
Nopradit emphasized that during Thaksin's time abroad, business leaders and politicians frequently consulted with him, reflecting his continued influence. He noted that Thaksin's experience managing large international corporations and relationships with global leaders could benefit Thailand's future direction.
He expressed confidence that a 76-year-old man with seven grandchildren would prefer spending time with family rather than plotting revenge. He stated that Thaksin, who has forgiven those who threatened his life, would not seek vengeance. Nopradit called on those spreading doubts to stop and urged Thai society, as a forgiving society, to let go of what can be released.
Nopradit announced he would join red-shirt supporters in welcoming Thaksin's return on May 11, while emphasizing that only Thaksin or his family could clarify his future role. However, he noted that many people still remember Thaksin's policies—such as the 30-baht healthcare program, village funds, drug suppression, and systematic solutions to poverty—that directly benefited ordinary citizens and represented practical democracy.
