The Justice Minister has confirmed that he has discussed with the Director of the Department of Corrections the consideration of Thaksin's parole by 11 May. He explained that the matter is currently still at the prison committee stage.
At 10:30 a.m. on 25 March 2026 at the Ministry of Justice, Police Lieutenant General Rutthapol Nawarath, the Justice Minister, spoke about the progress on considering Thaksin Shinawatra's parole, which is due on 11 May. He said that no formal submission has yet reached him. The process requires the matter to be reviewed by the prison committee, then forwarded to the Department of Corrections, followed by submission to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice before reporting to the Minister. Currently, the issue has not reached him, but he has discussed it with the Director of the Department of Corrections. The matter remains at the prison committee level, and he referred to the Director for further details.
Police Lieutenant Colonel Prawut Wongsinil, Director of the Department of Corrections, stated that Thaksin has already submitted his parole request to the prison. The case is currently under review by the prison committee, which must determine whether he meets the parole criteria. They must assess all details and qualifications of inmates eligible for parole, which is reviewed monthly in cycles. The prison committee includes multiple agencies under the Ministry of Justice to ensure all aspects are considered in deciding if Thaksin qualifies for parole.
However, the process does not take long, but so far the prison has not forwarded the matter to the Department of Corrections; this is a normal step. If the committee finds he meets the criteria, they will submit the case. Thaksin's parole would be a standard case. Each month, about 1,000 cases are reviewed in regular meetings. Whether he qualifies depends entirely on the prison committee's decision.
Regarding the People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) submitting objections to Thaksin's parole, the authorities have explained the matter to the complainants, but further details cannot be disclosed.
When asked if 11 May is the date Thaksin becomes eligible for parole, Police Lieutenant Colonel Prawut confirmed that according to procedure, that is the timeframe. The matter has been submitted to the prison committee.