Bangkok: The Minister of Justice has confirmed that the consideration of parole for Thaksin Shinawatra will be completed on schedule, ensuring that no one will lose their rights in the process. However, the matter is still with the prison committee and has not yet reached the Department of Corrections.
According to Thai News Agency, Pol. Gen. Ruddhaphol Naowarat, the Minister of Justice, provided an update on the parole consideration for Thaksin, who is eligible for parole on May 11th. He noted that the matter has not yet been submitted to him and that the process involves several steps, including review by a prison committee, forwarding to the Department of Corrections, and presentation to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice before reaching the Minister.
The Minister of Justice addressed concerns about potential delays after Thaksin's personal lawyer mentioned that a parole application had been submitted. He clarified that discussions have been held with the Director-General of the Department of Corrections, confirming that the matter remains with the prison committee, awaiting further details from the Director-General.
Pol. Lt. Col. Prawut Wongsinil, Director-General of the Department of Corrections, explained that Thaksin has indeed submitted a parole application, which is currently under review by the prison committee. The committee is responsible for assessing whether Thaksin meets the parole criteria, a process conducted monthly for all inmates. The committee includes representatives from various agencies under the Ministry of Justice to ensure a fair assessment of eligibility. The application has not yet been forwarded to the Department of Corrections.
The Director-General also addressed why Thaksin's case is pending with the prison committee, stating this is part of the normal procedure. The committee considers approximately 1,000 cases each month, and Thaksin's case will be treated as a standard parole application. The outcome depends on the committee's assessment of the criteria.
Regarding the People's Alliance for Democracy's objection to Thaksin's parole, the Director-General stated that the matter has been clarified to the objectors, but specific details remain undisclosed.
In response to whether Thaksin will be granted parole on the scheduled date, May 11th, the Director-General confirmed that standard procedures are being followed, with the prison committee ensuring fairness for all involved. The Minister of Justice reiterated that no one will be deprived of their rights, and a decision will be made before the scheduled parole date.
Additionally, the Department of Corrections reported that Klong Prem Central Prison has been notified of a planned gathering by approximately 1,000 Red Shirt supporters on May 11th to support Thaksin. These supporters intend to remain in front of the prison to await his release.