Thaksin Still Has Hope for EM Monitoring Removal if He Files Health Petition

Thaksin Shinawatra, the former prime minister, still has hope of having his electronic monitoring device removed during his conditional sentence if he submits a petition due to health concerns. High-level sources within the Justice Ministry revealed that while a clemency committee on April 29 approved Thaksin for a general sentence reduction as one of 859 eligible inmates, they imposed the condition that he wear an EM device until his sentence concludes on September 9, 2026.

Normally, elderly inmates over 70 years old with chronic illnesses requiring continuous medication are not required to wear EM devices due to health and medical care concerns. However, the committee made this exception in Thaksin's case after deliberation. His family and legal team have questioned this decision, citing that Thaksin is elderly with chronic health conditions, has no history of escape, and maintains a fixed residence at Baan Jan Song Pha, which should exempt him from such requirements.

According to Justice Ministry insiders, while the current committee decision requires Thaksin to wear the EM device through September 9, 2026, individuals under probation can still petition for its removal if they subsequently face medical treatment needs or mental health issues like panic attacks. The Department of Probation would then exercise discretion to approve or deny such requests. Precedent exists for cases where probation officials removed EM devices based on health and medical care justifications.

The EM device installation could occur on the day of Thaksin's release from Klong Prem Central Prison, with probation officers conducting the initial reporting and explaining the conditions, including monthly check-in dates and behavioral requirements during the probation period.