BANGKOK, Thailand – Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra was transferred from Bangkok Remand Prison to Klong Prem Central Prison on Tuesday (September 9) under maximum-security conditions, wearing the standard blue uniform for inmates with final convictions.
At around 5:10 PM, three white prison vans departed Bangkok Remand Prison, with Thaksin inside the second vehicle. He wore a blue shirt and black shorts, signifying that he is a convicted prisoner serving a definitive sentence.
Reporters attempted to ask Thaksin if he had a message for the public or words for Thai citizens. He did not respond, but briefly smiled and gave a thumbs-up gesture before the convoy quickly departed for Klong Prem. A gray Mercedes-Benz belonging to the Shinawatra family followed at a short distance.
The transfer is part of the Department of Corrections’ policy to designate Bangkok Remand Prison as a hub for inmates awaiting trial. Consequently, prisoners with finalized sentences are moved to other correctional facilities.
According to a March 4 announcement by the prison, families can now contact the following facilities for visitation information: Bang Kwang Central Prison, Klong Prem Central Prison, Thonburi Remand Prison, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Central Prison, Ayutthaya Provincial Prison, Nakhon Nayok Provincial Prison, Suphanburi Provincial Prison, Saraburi Provincial Prison, and juvenile institutions.
Three prison vans move Thaksin under maximum-security conditions to Klong Prem, family car follows nearby.
