Shinawatra Family Visits Thaksin in Prison for Final Time Before Release on May 11

On May 7, 2025, at the Bangkok Remand Prison, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's children and their spouses visited him for the last time before his conditional release scheduled for May 11. The group included his daughter Paetongtham Shinawatra with her husband Pittok Sooksawat, his son Panthongtae Shinawatra with his wife Natthaiya Poungkam, and his youngest daughter Pintongtha Shinawatra Kunakornwong with her husband Nattapong Kunakornwong. This marked their 61st visit, with Thaksin having spent 7 months and 28 days in detention.

Upon arriving at the prison gates, the former prime minister's children appeared cheerful and smiling, while supporters in red shirts gathered to show their encouragement. After nearly an hour of visitation, Paetongtham represented the family in speaking to reporters, expressing everyone's joy at the imminent release. She revealed that her father had counted his 241 days in prison and was counting down to day 243.5 when he would be released.

When asked about discussions regarding her father's political direction, Paetongtham emphasized they had not discussed politics at all, focusing instead on family matters and grandchildren. She noted that once released, her father's priority would be a full health check-up, as he hadn't undergone comprehensive medical examination in the eight months of his incarceration. Regarding criticism and opposition to his conditional release from some groups, she simply stated it was their right to express their views.

On the matter of an Electronic Monitoring (EM) ankle bracelet and potential full pardon, Paetongtham indicated the family would follow proper legal procedures and did not want any complications, preferring everything proceed according to protocol.