Worachai revealed that the Red Shirts will gather on the evening of 10 May to welcome Thaksin outside the prison, expecting several thousand people to assemble. He emphasized that the country's crisis requires the experience of the former leader and believes the Pheu Thai Party's popularity will return.
On 2 May 2026, Mr. Worachai Hema, a Red Shirts leader, spoke about the upcoming parole of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra on 11 May. He said the Red Shirts have regularly gathered every Sunday to support Thaksin. On 11 May, special activities will begin on the evening of 10 May at the Bangkok Special Prison, or Klong Prem Prison, where Red Shirts will assemble to prepare for Thaksin's release the following morning. That evening will include a shared dinner and a discussion forum among the Red Shirts reflecting on past events and their contributions to the country and democracy. They expect several thousand Red Shirts to join and invite democracy and justice supporters to come encourage Thaksin, who they view as the former prime minister who has contributed most to the country, suffered the most, and been treated unfairly.
When asked about opinions suggesting Thaksin should step back from politics after his parole, Worachai said he personally believes that given the current national situation, the person best suited to bring ideas and experience gained abroad to help resolve crises such as oil, the Cold War, and the economic war is Thaksin, due to his extensive experience, capabilities, and connections. Although conservatives may feel he should stop, Worachai argued the country is facing a crisis that requires someone like Thaksin's help. He recalled that during the 1997 crisis, Thaksin demonstrated success. Whether Thaksin decides to act or not is his right, but politics is not about restricting rights; it depends on whether someone has the knowledge to assist the country and its people. At present, Worachai sees that Thaksin should participate in resolving the national crisis, perhaps by offering public suggestions that officials can adopt. He believes Thailand should utilize Thaksin's experience and thinking for the country's benefit. When asked about the impact of Thaksin's parole on the Pheu Thai Party, Worachai said that under the leadership of new and capable Deputy Prime Minister Yotchanan Wongsawat, adding Thaksin's experience will certainly help the party regain popularity.