Bunnapoj Damapong visited Thaksin Shinawatra at Klong Prem Central Prison, reporting he is doing well. Lawyer Winyat explained there are no concerning symptoms and Thaksin's mental health is good. They have submitted Ban Jan Song La as the probation residence for his parole supervision.
At 09:50 on 27 April 2026 GMT+7, Mr. Bunnapoj Damapong the adoptive elder brother of Khunying Pojaman Damapong, as a family representative, together with lawyer Winyat Chatmontri, visited former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra at Klong Prem Central Prison, where Thaksin has been held for 7 months and 18 days. Meanwhile, outside the prison, red-shirt supporters continue to come and support the Shinawatra family every Monday and Thursday, the designated visiting days.
About 15 minutes after the visit, Mr. Bunnapoj briefly stated, “From my conversation with Thaksin, he is doing okay.” He asked the media to direct further questions to lawyer Winyat for details.
Lawyer Winyat said that after a close visit on 23 April by Thaksin's children and grandchildren, who embraced and paid respects to him, the family was very happy as they had not seen or touched each other for many months. He also thanked Klong Prem Central Prison for allowing such close family visits, which benefit Thaksin and other inmates.
He added that 23 April was the last day for close family visits. As his lawyer, he sees it as a very good opportunity. Regarding Thaksin's health, he remains generally well, with known chronic conditions but no coma or worrisome symptoms. Thaksin takes good care of himself and regularly takes medication. Overall, there are no concerning symptoms, and his mental health is good.
When asked about recent reports that the Department of Corrections' parole committee has deemed Thaksin qualified for general parole, leaving only the final step on 29 April when the Ministry of Justice's parole committee will meet, lawyer Winyat said he was unaware of the meeting details as reported by the media. However, he requested the subcommittee to consider the case based on criteria and facts. He personally hopes Thaksin will be fairly considered and granted the opportunity for parole.
Winyat continued that concern is natural and shared by all families of inmates. Klong Prem Central Prison houses many inmates, not only Thaksin, and nationwide there are about 500 such inmates. He refrained from commenting further, as the officials and subcommittee are still performing their duties.
Regarding the probation residence for Thaksin, whether it will remain Ban Jan Song La, lawyer Winyat responded candidly, “I have submitted Ban Jan Song La, which will be the place where Thaksin will reside during his probation period if he meets the parole criteria.” . (fragment)
On reports that Thaksin might not have to wear an electronic monitoring (EM) bracelet due to being over 70 years old, lawyer Winyat confirmed he does not know about this. He advised waiting for official results. Nevertheless, he hopes Thaksin will be granted opportunities according to legal regulations, considering his age and chronic illnesses. The assessments are the responsibility of officials, and he refrains from further comment.
The reporter added that today is a key day for media monitoring of the Shinawatra family's situation. On 24 April, the Department of Corrections' parole committee decided Thaksin qualifies for general parole consideration. His name, along with other qualified inmates, will be forwarded to the Ministry of Justice's parole committee (subcommittee for parole consideration) to approve, revoke, or set conditions for parole according to the Corrections Act B.E. 2560 (2017), section 52, on 29 April.
The committee will consider factors such as case circumstances and prior offenses, probation period duration, reliability and suitability of guardians overseeing the inmate during probation, behavior during incarceration suggesting rehabilitation, social safety impact, and completion of correctional programs as outlined in Ministerial Regulations on inmate benefits B.E. 2562 (2019), section 44.
If the subcommittee or minister approves parole and inmate release, the prison commander will be notified, and probation officers, administrative staff, or local police will be informed in a timely manner to supervise the inmate's residence.
Reports also note Thaksin is over 76 years old with health issues, qualifying him as an elderly inmate exempt from wearing an EM bracelet. His parole release is expected on the morning of Monday, 11 May 2026, followed by four months of probation until full freedom on 9 September 2026.