BANGKOK, Thailand – Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra was released on parole early Monday, appearing in public to greet a crowd of supporters before heading to his private residence.
Thaksin, wearing a white shirt and appearing in good spirits, exited Klong Prem Central Prison at approximately 7:40 a.m. local time. He was met by his family members, whom he embraced, before waving to “Red Shirt” supporters gathered outside. In a brief moment of ceremony, the former leader stood to honor the national anthem alongside the crowd.
The 74-year-old billionaire then departed for his Chan Song La residence.
According to probation officials, Thaksin is required to wear an electronic monitoring (EM) bracelet for the duration of his parole period, which concludes on September 9.
Thaksin’s personal lawyer, Winyat Chatmontri, confirmed the former premier’s immediate return home. Regarding the mandatory reporting to probation officers within three days of release, Winyat stated that a specific date would be chosen based on suitability, emphasizing that all requirements would be fulfilled within the legal timeframe.
Thaksin’s release follows an eight-month period in prison that began in September 2025. After his initial return from 15 years of exile in 2023, he spent six months in hospital detention before being granted parole in early 2024.
However, the Supreme Court ruled in September 2025 that his previous time in the hospital did not count toward his sentence, ordering him back to a cell to serve the remainder of his one-year term. (TNA)
