Bangkok: "Nong Pipe," the son of Yingluck Shinawatra, made his inaugural visit to Klong Prem Central Prison to see his uncle, Thaksin Shinawatra. The visit attracted media attention and was warmly received by Red Shirt supporters, who greeted him with a traditional wai.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Panthongtae Shinawatra, along with his wife and Ms. Pintongta Shinawatra Kunakornwong with her husband, accompanied Mr. Supasek Amornchat, known as "Pipe," on this visit. Pipe is currently a Ph.D. candidate in Mechanical Engineering at Imperial College London. This visit marked his first encounter with his uncle in prison. Mr. Winyat Chatmontri, Thaksin's lawyer, also joined the group. The visit, which lasted around 30 minutes, saw cheerful interactions with the gathered crowd, although no interviews were conducted. A representative from the Red Shirts praised Pipe's appearance and expressed their longing for him, while also extending New Year wishes to the Shinawatra family.
Klong Prem Central Prison is set to resume close family visits on January 12th under the "Family Relations (Discipline)" program, with activities scheduled from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Reservations can be made between January 5th and 8th. Currently, only 60 inmates have completed the required training program for these visits. Relatives can verify the list of participants at the visitation office or via phone.
Following the visit, Pipe shared that he came on behalf of his mother. Thaksin inquired about his sister's well-being and discussed Pipe's studies. Pipe conveyed his mother's regards and concern, while Thaksin offered encouragement and well-wishes for his family.
Pipe expressed natural concern for Thaksin's well-being, describing him as having a strong fighting spirit. When asked about the possibility of Ms. Pintongta's grandchildren visiting during Children's Day, she expressed her desire to bring them if possible, as they miss their grandfather.
Panthongtae further disclosed that their conversations with Thaksin focused predominantly on family matters, particularly about the grandchildren missing their grandfather. They continued to support and encourage each other, as was customary.
Klong Prem Central Prison is preparing for a "Happy Family Day for Children 2026" event on January 11-12, allowing children to visit their fathers, grandfathers, and great-grandfathers. Reservations can be made from January 5-8, either at the prison or online. For more information, the Visitation Section can be contacted at 0-2001-3640, while the Inmate Registration and Correctional Operations Division is available at 0-2591-0546. Eligibility criteria for visiting children include being under 15 years old, a maximum of seven children per inmate, one accompanying person per child, and necessary documentation confirming their relationship to the inmate. Inmates must have the status of a father, grandfather, or great-grandfather and must not have faced disciplinary action in the past year or be under current investigation.