The Shinawatra family is preparing to bring the grandchildren to visit Thaksin during the family visitation day at the prison over the Songkran holiday. The son-in-law revealed that Thaksin is worried about the Middle East conflict crisis and hopes to find a way out so they can get through this difficult period together.
At Klong Prem Central Prison at 9:00 a.m. on 26 March, Ms. Pinthongta Shinawatra Kunakornwong, Mr. Natthapong Kunakornwong, her husband, and Mr. Winyat Chatmontri, the lawyer, went to visit Mr. Thaksin Shinawatra.
After spending about 45 minutes visiting, Mr. Natthapong said that his father was still in good health. They discussed work and general matters including the global economy. Regarding concerns over the Middle East conflict crisis, Thaksin expressed sympathy for the entire nation, noting it is a global crisis. He hopes they can find a joint solution to get through this difficult time. However, they did not go into detail about solutions, only talking about general well-being.
Ms. Pinthongta spoke about the upcoming family visitation at Klong Prem Central Prison at the end of April, which will compensate for the Songkran holiday. She said the family plans to bring the grandchildren to visit their grandfather since they miss him, and they grow up quickly even after a short time apart.
When asked whether the Shinawatra grandchildren knew there were only about 40 days left until Mr. Thaksin would regain his freedom and whether the family had prepared a place for him, Ms. Pinthongta said nothing new had been arranged and things remain the same. Mr. Natthapong added that they continue to patiently wait and count down every day.
Then the couple raised their hands in thanks to the media and to the Red Shirt supporters who came to send encouragement. They posed for photos with the Red Shirts before getting into a car to leave the prison area.
Additional reports indicate that Mr. Thaksin Shinawatra, the former Prime Minister, will be released on probation on 11 May. Red Shirt supporters from across the country plan to camp overnight in front of Klong Prem Central Prison from 10 May until the morning of 11 May to welcome him. It was reported that Thaksin did not want this to be a mass gathering because it might cause inconvenience due to high fuel prices and difficult travel conditions. He also wishes to avoid problems around government agencies, especially near the prison.
According to internal reports from the Department of Corrections, Klong Prem Central Prison has been informed by Red Shirt supporters that about 1,000 people will come on 11 May, the date of Thaksin’s probation release, to give support. They have requested to stay in front of the prison to wait for his release. The prison will arrange the area appropriately and coordinate with local police to maintain security.
Additionally, official Facebook page of Klong Prem Central Prison has publicized details about the close-relative visitation program under the project "Family Relations Spread Love on Thai New Year" for fiscal year 2026 as compensation for the Songkran holiday visitation. The visitation period will be from 20 to 27 April, covering six working days. The Shinawatra family is scheduled to participate in the close-relative visitation on 23 April starting at 8:30 a.m., which includes relatives listed among the 10 designated prisoners, mainly focusing on the grandchildren.