The Justice Minister is still unaware of Thaksin's parole set for 11 May. He said no request has been submitted to the ministry. The committee has five members and he has emphasized the careful consideration of objections from the People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) to avoid repeating history again.
On 13 March 2026, Police Lieutenant General Rutthapol Nawarat, Minister of Justice, spoke about the parole consideration for former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. He explained that normally parole involves three committees: the prison authorities provide their opinion through the Department of Corrections, which then submits to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice for consideration. However, in special parole cases, the Justice Minister personally makes the decision.
In Thaksin's case, the review will be conducted by a committee as usual, consisting of four department directors or equivalent and the secretary of the Office of the Narcotics Control Board, totaling five members who will consider the parole.
Regarding rumors that Thaksin would be granted parole on 11 May, the minister said he was not aware of the details because no parole request has yet been submitted to the Ministry of Justice. Normally, the Permanent Secretary reviews such matters, and the minister only provides policy guidance, instructing that the process follow regulations and the law properly.
As for the People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) submitting a letter opposing Thaksin's parole to the Ministry of Justice, the Department of Corrections has recently reported back to the ministry. However, the Deputy Permanent Secretary found the department's response incomplete and has returned the letter for further clarification before replying to the PDRC. The reasons for the PDRC's opposition must be carefully considered by the committee to avoid repeating past mistakes.