Thaksin Smiles, Embraces Paetongtarn and Family Before Paying Respects to National Flag

At 5:00 AM on May 11, 2025, outside Klong Prem Central Prison, reporters documented enthusiastic red-shirt supporters who had traveled to cheer former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra on his scheduled conditional release day. Large crowds of red-shirt supporters lined the prison fence starting from the morning of May 10 to show their support. At 6:00 AM, Pheu Thai party leaders including Bhumi Vetayachai (party advisor), Somsak Thepsuthin (former Public Health Minister), Wisutthi Chaiyarun, Kattiya Sawasdipon, Chusakdi Sirinil, Jiraphon Sindupai, Chayapa Sindupai, Manporn Charoen, Saruang Thiantong (party deputy leader), Pongkwin Chungrungrueangkit (party deputy leader), Pongsak Raktpongpaisarn (former Transport Minister), Phaophoomi Rojnaskul, Chanok Chantathong, Natthawut Saiyaem, Khuanchai Pairapan (former red-shirt leader), and lawyer Vinyat Chatimontre arrived at the prison to welcome Thaksin after he met bail requirements for conditional release in a general case. At 7:20 AM, party leaders began gathering at the prison entrance. At 7:30 AM, Thaksin's family including Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Panthongthaem Shinawatra, Pintongtha Shinawatra, and other family members arrived. At 7:40 AM, Thaksin walked out of prison wearing a white shirt and long pants, embracing his daughter, grandchildren, and sister, with Paetongtarn being the first to receive his embrace. He then greeted party leaders and supporters, paid respects to the national flag at the flagpole on the prison grounds, and waved to the red-shirt crowd before departing for Bangkok Metropolitan Probation Office 1 in Bang Kok Noi to report as required by the Department of Corrections before heading home.