Bangkok: The Department of Corrections has provided an explanation concerning the process involved in granting parole to former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Thaksin is currently serving a one-year sentence at Klong Prem Central Prison, as ordered by the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions. His imprisonment began on September 9, 2025, with a scheduled release date of September 9, 2026. However, the possibility of conditional release has prompted considerable public attention.
According to Thai News Agency, the Corrections Act B.E. 2560 and subsequent ministerial regulations outline that Thaksin would be eligible for conditional release after serving two-thirds of his sentence. This would allow for a reduction not exceeding one-third of the total sentence. Moreover, Thaksin must undergo the consideration and approval process of the Sub-Committee for Conditional Release to be eligible for standard conditional release by May 2026.
The conditional release process begins at the prison level. Klong Prem Central Prison will submit a list of eligible prisoners to a working group for evaluation. This group includes the prison commander as chairman and representatives from several departments, such as the Department of Provincial Administration and the Royal Thai Police. Once approved, the prison commander forwards the list to the Department of Corrections for further review.
The Department of Corrections then ensures all documents meet the established criteria before submitting its opinion to the subcommittee responsible for suspension of sentence decisions. This Sub-Committee, appointed by the Corrections Board, has the authority to approve or revoke sentence suspensions and establish probation conditions. It is chaired by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice and includes various representatives from related government departments.
The Sub-Committee for Consideration and Decision on Parole evaluates several factors before approving parole. These include the nature of the crime, the prisoner's behavior during incarceration, and the potential impact on public safety. Successful rehabilitation and reform are also critical components for consideration. Once approved, the decision is communicated to the relevant authorities and the prisoner is required to report to a probation officer and adhere to specific conditions.
The entire parole consideration process adheres strictly to legal frameworks, ministerial regulations, and human rights principles, ensuring no actions outside of legal prescriptions. The Department of Corrections emphasizes that there is no discrimination involved in the process.