BANGKOK, Thailand – Justice Minister Lt. Gen. Ruttapol Naowarat has dismissed the possibility of removing the electronic monitoring (EM) bracelet worn by former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, saying he does not meet the required conditions. Ruttapol said regulations allow EM removal under only three circumstances: serious illness, employment-related necessity, or residence in an area without electricity or internet access. He noted that none of these conditions apply in Thaksin’s case, making it unlikely that the request would be approved.
The minister added that only one person had recently been granted permission to remove an EM device, and that case was linked to occupational requirements. Thaksin has been under parole conditions since May 11, supervised by the Bangkok Probation Office 7, with authorities immediately fitting him with an EM tracking device upon release. His parole conditions include residing at an approved address, reporting to probation officers once a month, remaining within provincial boundaries unless permission is granted, maintaining lawful conduct, avoiding drugs and weapons, and refraining from associating with individuals who could lead to further offenses. Authorities also warned that failure to present parole documentation to police or administrative officers upon request could result in detention and return to prison. (TNA)
