"Oak and Aim" visited Thaksin at prison after six months, revealing he has trouble sleeping but remains in good health. Red Shirt supporters are preparing welcome activities should he be granted parole and released around May.
Klong Prem Central Prison at 11:00 a.m. on 9 Mar 2026 GMT+7.Mr. Panthongtae Shinawatra, Ms. Natthiya Puangkhum (his wife), Ms. Pinthongta Shinawatra Kunakornwong, and Mr. Natthapong Kunakornwong (her husband)represented the family to visit Mr. Thaksin Shinawatra, accompanied by Mr. Winyat Chatmontri, Thaksin's personal lawyer. This visit marked the 46th time, with Thaksin having been imprisoned for six months.
After about an hour inside the prison, Natthapong said they talked about general matters. Thaksin remains in good health but has trouble sleeping recently. Now that six months have passed, release is approaching. They did not discuss the grandchildren, focusing only on health.
Ms. Pinthongta mentioned that on Sunday, 10 May, Red Shirts nationwide will camp out overnight to show support. She exclaimed "Wow" and said her father is not yet aware of this plan; there are still two months to go. She thanked everyone for their encouragement. She added that her father looked tired today due to poor sleep, before thanking the media and Red Shirts and then leaving the prison area.
Regarding the Red Shirt supporters encouraging Thaksin, Mrs. Phusadee Klintong, or "Ajarn Pao" from Singburi Red Shirts, said she feels excited and very happy as Thaksin's release date approaches. The supporters have held 24 events outside the prison so far. Recently, they held a meeting to prepare after receiving the schedule from visitors inside prison and clarification from the Department of Corrections that 9 May marks the completion of eight months as a condition for parole. On 10 May, paperwork will proceed, and release is expected on 11 May at 8:00 a.m. They anticipate welcoming him by singing the national anthem upon release.
Since Thaksin is expected to be released on parole on 11 May, Red Shirt supporters from across the country will begin camping overnight outside Klong Prem Central Prison from 10 May. A marathon rally will start at 2:00 p.m. and continue until the morning of 11 May, with rotating leaders giving speeches. When Thaksin's motorcade leaves the prison for his parole residence at Ban Chansongla in Bang Phlat district, supporters will lead a motorcade escorting the former prime minister home.
On 10 May, some Pheu Thai Party leaders such as Mr. Jakraphop Penkaew and his spouse, Mr. Atchai Anantamek (Dong), Mr. Chanyut Hengtakool, Mr. Korkaeo Pikulthong, and Mr. Worachai Hema will join the rally. Food and drinks will be provided throughout the day. For security and permissions to use the area in front of Klong Prem Prison, coordination will be with Department of Corrections and Prachachuen Police Station officers. On the evening of 11 May, Red Shirt supporters are negotiating to secure a venue for a rally, possibly the Wiset 1 Sports Hall at Bangkok Youth Center (Thai-Japanese) or Thephasadin Stadium in Pathumwan district. Further updates will be reported later.