Thaksin in Good Spirits Awaiting Parole Committee Decision on April 29; Over 70 Years Old May Not Require EM Monitoring Bracelet
Former PM Thaksin awaits a Justice Ministry parole committee decision on April 29 after completing two-thirds of his one-year sentence at Klongprem Central Prison. At over 70 years old, he may be exempt from wearing an electronic monitoring
At 9:50 a.m. on April 2, 2025, Bannapot Damapong, the brother-in-law of Pajamarn Na Pompetch, visited former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra at Klongprem Central Prison on Ngamwongwan Road as a family representative. This marked the 59th visit, accompanied by lawyer Vinyatthy Chatimonthri. Thaksin has been incarcerated for seven months and 18 days.
Red-shirt supporters continue to visit for moral support, with weekly rally sessions held outside the prison featuring rotating red-shirt leaders speaking. Former Thai for Thai Party MP Khor Kaew Pichulthong brought 200 government lottery tickets to distribute to supporters attending the activities.
All activities will continue until Monday, May 11, 2025, when Thaksin is scheduled for conditional parole release after having served two-thirds (eight months) of his one-year sentence, qualifying him for standard parole. When Bannapot arrived, he greeted media and red-shirt supporters without giving interviews.
After a 15-minute visit at 10:10 a.m., Bannapot briefly stated that Thaksin gave his approval, referring media to lawyer Vinyatthy for further details.
Vinyatthy revealed that after April 23, Thaksin's children and grandchildren visited him closely, embracing and receiving blessings. The family expressed great joy at their reunion after months of separation, thanking Klongprem Central Prison for facilitating this. April 23 marked the final close family visitation before parole.
Regarding health, Vinyatthy confirmed Thaksin remains in normal condition with chronic conditions but no concerning symptoms or coma-like state. Thaksin takes regular medication and maintains good mental health through self-care.
Concerning the parole process, the Corrections Department-level parole committee has already approved Thaksin's qualification for standard parole. The final stage is the Justice Ministry-level parole committee meeting on April 29. Vinyatthy requested the committee consider Thaksin fairly according to criteria and facts, expressing hope for approval while acknowledging everyone's concerns, noting there are approximately 500 other inmates nationwide.
When asked about Thaksin's conditional residence location, Vinyatthy confirmed it remains Chan Song Hlai House, which will serve as his residence during conditional parole if approved.
Regarding reports that Thaksin may not require an EM monitoring bracelet due to being over 70 years old, Vinyatthy stated he was uncertain and suggested waiting for the official decision.
