Thaksin eligible for parole on May 9Thaksin: Freedom beckonsThe Department of Corrections (DoC) on Wednesday confirmed former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra will be eligible for parole on May 9 after serving two-thirds of his one-year prison sentence. The clarification followed comments a day earlier by Justice Minister Pol Lt Gen Rutthaphon Naowarat, who said Thaksin will have completed eight months in prison on May 9 -- equivalent to two-thirds of his one-year sentence -- meeting conditions for parole. Under regulations, inmates who have served two-thirds of their sentence may apply for parole, subject to approval by prison, corrections and Justice Ministry committees. DoC spokesman Yutthana Nakreungsri said the Klong Prem Central Prison committee has not yet finalised the list of inmates eligible for parole. He estimated that fewer than 500 inmates at the prison may qualify.

Source: Bangkok Post February 25, 2026 22:06 UTC