The Shinawatra family visited Thaksin. Paethongtarn revealed that her father accepted the parole decision but complained slightly about wearing the EM bracelet, saying he is old and a former prime minister but accepts the decision.
On 30 Apr 2026 at 09:50 at Klong Prem Central Prison, members of the Shinawatra family, led by Ms. Paethongtarn Shinawatra, Mr. Pitak Suksawat her husband, and Ms. Pinthongtha Shinawatra Khunakornwong, as family representatives, visited former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, accompanied by lawyer Mr. Winyat Chatmontri. Red Shirt supporters continue to come every Monday and Thursday during visiting hours and hold rallies outside Klong Prem Prison every Sunday, with alternating Red Shirt leaders speaking.
Currently, Thaksin has been imprisoned for 7 months and 21 days, with only 11 days left before parole probation, after which he will be released on probation from the prison.
At 11:00 after the visit, Ms. Paethongtarn briefly said her father is aware of the parole committee’s decision. His feelings follow the process; he has some slight complaints about wearing the EM bracelet, saying he is old and a former prime minister, so he feels a bit about having to wear it, but he is willing to comply with all procedures. The family is happy with the parole decision.
When asked whether the EM bracelet caused concern, as elderly inmates with chronic illnesses and stable residences usually do not have to wear one, Ms. Paethongtarn said that generally elderly people don’t have to wear an EM bracelet, but since the decision was made to require it, he must comply. She did not find this surprising or unusual.
Regarding the visit planned for 11 May, she and her family will come according to the prison’s schedule. She has not told her father about the countdown posts online. He currently has no special requests, only expressing a desire to go home. They also discussed his health since he has not had a medical checkup while inside.
When reporters asked if the family had any special dishes prepared to welcome Thaksin upon release, the family declined to comment and immediately left the prison premises by car.
Mr. Winyat spoke about preparations for Thaksin’s parole release on 11 May, saying the prison commander and related agencies, including the probation department, are coordinating details. Thaksin is expected to be the only inmate released that day, as about nine other parolees will be released on different days due to varying sentence completions. Regarding the EM bracelet, Thaksin feels glad to have been granted parole, as it is a right for qualified inmates, but questions the necessity of the measure since he is elderly with health conditions, shows no flight risk, and is a former prime minister. He believes the subcommittee could have waived the EM bracelet requirement. He also wonders if this measure considers the parolee’s health and if it affects Thaksin’s human dignity. Nonetheless, he accepts the committee’s decision. After release, he will undergo a four-month probation period, must report within three days of release, and continue monthly reporting until the sentence ends on 9 Sep.
Mr. Winyat said Thaksin is not a flight risk—if he intended to flee, he would not have surrendered himself. Therefore, the EM bracelet should not be required. Thaksin is puzzled but accepts the committee’s process. Mr. Winyat noted Thaksin’s significant contributions as a former prime minister with many successful policies known to the public. While equal treatment among inmates is a valid reason, it may be excessive in this case. Since Thaksin has a permanent home in Ban Chansongla, flight risk is not an issue. Overall, Mr. Winyat expressed happiness for Thaksin.
Reporters noted that on the evening of 29 Apr, after the subcommittee’s decision on parole, Ms. Paethongtarn’s Instagram posted a photo of her in a wedding dress adjusting Thaksin’s tuxedo, both smiling happily, with the caption: “This is anything but easy. In case nobody has told you.. I'm so proud of you #countingdown #daddysgirl.” The post drew many comments from family, friends, and Pheu Thai party leaders offering support. For example, Ms. Pinthongtha commented, “Breathe in, breathe out, wait calmly, I can’t take it anymore, squeezing your hand. Our best team.” Dr. Kanapot Jomrit, a close friend and former private secretary to both Paethongtarn and former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, said, “So happy.” Ms. Kattiya Sawasdipol, deputy legal secretary of Pheu Thai, wrote, “Admire your strong heart.” Mr. Pitak Suksawat, Paethongtarn’s husband, commented, “Very happy #countingdown.”
Additionally, the Shinawatra family’s team requested media cooperation to organize coverage on 11 May. Klong Prem Central Prison has authorized the flagpole roundabout area in front of the prison for Red Shirt supporters, divided into the left side (visitor building side) for Red Shirts nationwide, and the right side (in front of the prison coffee shop) for media outlets covering the event. At 08:00 on 11 May, Thaksin will stand at attention to pay respect and sing the Thai national anthem at the flagpole roundabout at Klong Prem Central Prison.
