Korn Chatikavanij Distributes 700 Lottery Tickets to Thank Red-Shirt Supporters Awaiting Thaksin's Release

Red-shirt activists have been streaming to gather outside Bangkok Special Prison since early morning on May 10, 2025, to welcome former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who will be released tomorrow morning. Supporters from across the country are expected to camp overnight at the prison gates. A stage has been set up with speeches beginning in the afternoon, with Pheu Thai deputy leader Korn Chatikavanij and red-shirt leader Natthawut Saikua alternating as speakers.

Korn arrived at the gathering and distributed 700 lottery tickets to red-shirt supporters as a token of gratitude from Thaksin, while announcing preparations for his welcome. Korn stated that red-shirt supporters will gather from this evening to receive Thaksin between 7-8 a.m. tomorrow, with stages, food, and overnight accommodation prepared for thousands of expected participants from other provinces.

Korn confirmed that Pheu Thai Party members, executives, MPs, and supporters will welcome Thaksin, acknowledging him as the founder of Thai Rak Thai Party and spiritual leader of Pheu Thai. All participants are coming voluntarily. Regarding speculation about Thaksin's return to politics, Korn insisted that Thaksin has no intention of returning to politics due to his age and desire to spend time with family. However, Korn acknowledged that as a former prime minister with extensive experience, people and media may seek his opinions on national issues, which would merely be sharing perspectives, not political involvement.

Korn appealed to opposing factions to end their 20-year political conflict and urged them not to drag Thaksin back into controversy, as he now wishes to live peacefully with his family in his final years. He emphasized that expressing social or political opinions should not be interpreted as political activity, and called on all parties to allow Thai society to move forward with harmony.

Korn acknowledged that many people still have confidence in Thaksin's abilities and want to see him return as the country's leader, but noted that Thai law prevents him from holding political office following his conviction. The Corrections Department will divide the area into two zones tomorrow—one for family and Pheu Thai leadership and another for supporters—to prevent overcrowding and maintain order.

Korn also disagreed with the electronic monitoring (EM) bracelet condition imposed on Thaksin, arguing that as a former prime minister who greatly benefited the country and founder of Thai Rak Thai Party and spiritual leader of Pheu Thai, such conditions seem inappropriate.