Thailand approves parole for former PM Thaksin Shinawatra

A parole committee under Ministry of Justice of Thailand has approved the early release of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, paving the way for him to leave Klong Prem Central Prison on May 11 without the requirement to wear an electronic monitoring device.

The decision was made on April 29 during a meeting in which the panel reviewed more than 500 parole cases nationwide. Thaksin’s release was approved without an electronic bracelet due to his age and health status, as the 76-year-old qualifies under the elderly prisoner category and suffers from chronic illnesses, Caliber.Az reports per Thai media. 

Following his release, Thaksin will remain under probation for four months. His one-year sentence is scheduled to conclude on September 9, 2026, at which point he will be fully discharged under Thailand’s correctional system.

Thaksin is currently serving a one-year sentence handed down by the Supreme Court of Thailand’s Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions. He became eligible for parole after completing two-thirds of the term.

The court ruled in September 2025 that a previous period Thaksin spent in a police hospital did not qualify as lawful detention, requiring him to serve the sentence in prison. He began serving the term at Klong Prem Central Prison following the ruling.

The former leader returned to Thailand in 2023 after years in self-imposed exile. His original sentence was later reduced to one year through royal clemency, allowing him to qualify for parole under standard provisions.

Under the latest decision, Thaksin is expected to be released on May 11 but will remain under legal supervision until the completion of his sentence in September.

By Sabina Mammadli