On May 11, Thaksin Shinawatra, former Prime Minister, walked out of Klong Prem Central Prison after a parole board approved his release to supervised house arrest. He had served eight months, or 243 days, fulfilling two-thirds of his one-year sentence. Parole conditions extend until September 9, 2026.
Family and Supporters Gather for Emotional Welcome
A large crowd assembled outside the prison, including family members such as Paetongtarn “Ing” Shinawatra and her husband Pitak Suksawat, Pinthongta “Em” Shinawatra Yukgrong with husband Natthapong Yukgrong and son Chinwakin Yukgrong, Panthongtae “Oak” Shinawatra, former Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat, and Barnphachon Damapong. Pheu Thai Party leaders like Phumtham Vechayachai, Somask Thepsuthin, Chusak Sirinil, Pongsak Raktapongphaisan, and Nattawut Saikua joined red-shirt supporters from various provinces.
At 7:45 a.m., Thaksin emerged wearing a white polo shirt, dark navy trousers, a high crew cut, white sneakers, and open arms for warm hugs with his daughters, son, and family. Paetongtarn teared up as red-shirt supporters cheered, presented red roses, and embraced him. The group sang the national anthem at 8:00 a.m. before Thaksin boarded a two-tone Mercedes-Maybach S 580 e with license plate PhT 4444, accompanied by family.
Probation Check-In and Return Home
The convoy headed to Bangkok Probation Office 1 on Wang Lang Road for Thaksin to acknowledge four-month parole terms from May 11 to September 9. Reporters asked if he remembered them from his initial prison entry; he replied, “I don’t remember anything anymore—it’s Alzheimer’s.”
Arriving at Chan Song La House, Thaksin opened the car window, greeted media and supporters, and stated, “I’ve been meditating for eight months; now I remember nothing.” He added a relieved “Relieve!”—signifying a fresh start—and noted his health remains good before entering the residence. Khunying Pojamarn Damapong later arrived in a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter with plate NL 2222. Thaksin requested family-only time on his first day out, limiting visitors.
Prison warden Phayoj Heringrot confirmed probation officers fitted an electronic monitoring (EM) bracelet on Thaksin’s left ankle at 7:00 a.m. inside the facility. His lawyer, Winyat Chartmontri, verified the process and Thaksin’s visit to report conditions, with his first check-in scheduled for May 25.
Prime Minister Expresses Joy
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, a former subordinate, welcomed the news: “I’m delighted for him and his family. Reports describe him returning home smiling and cheerful. I’ll give him private time.” Asked about a personal visit, Anutin replied, “Of course, once things settle—Bangkok is small, and meeting respected acquaintances is normal.”
Parliamentary Move on 400 Billion Baht Loan Decree
Meanwhile, Natthaphong Ruangpanawut, People’s Party list MP and leader, along with Korn Chatikavanij, Democrat list MP and deputy leader, petitioned House Speaker Sophon Saram to refer the 400 billion baht loan emergency decree to the Constitutional Court for review against Section 172. Sophon stated legal procedures require verifying the petition’s validity before submission within three days, aiming to file promptly ahead of the May 14 debate.
