Phromphong awaits Thaksin's parole on 11 May, likening his life journey to Mandela and Mahathir. He is confident that Thaksin's perspectives and experience will benefit the nation, enabling governance and policy-making that the public can tangibly feel.
On 3 May 2026, Phromphong Nopparit, former spokesperson of the Pheu Thai Party, stated that on 11 May, Thaksin Shinawatra, former Prime Minister and founder of the Thai Rak Thai Party, will be granted parole. Thaksin is considered a legendary Thai politician, having experienced the highest and lowest points in politics, including being ousted by a coup, facing legal cases, and living abroad for over 17 years. Phromphong said he has studied and followed Thaksin's ideas and witnessed many policies that brought significant changes to the country, initiating new projects at the time that promptly improved people's lives, such as the 30 Baht Universal Healthcare Scheme, the Village Fund, CEO governors, OTOP programs, strict drug suppression, and systematic economic solutions that raised the standard of living.
Although Thaksin faced numerous political storms and restrictions on his political rights, his ideas, perspective, and concern for the nation and its people remained unchanged. Even while imprisoned, the support and encouragement from the public, party supporters, and Thaksin himself remained strong. It is unsurprising that on the day of his parole, 11 May, party leaders, members, and Red Shirt supporters will gather in large numbers to welcome him with love and faith.
Thaksin Shinawatra's long and eventful political career calls to mind Nelson Mandela, the late former President of South Africa, and Mahathir Mohamad, who returned as Malaysia's Prime Minister for a second term in 2018 at an advanced age. Both men endured periods of conflict, political restrictions, and loss of power before returning as symbols of hope and renewal, undeterred by fate.
Phromphong added that Thaksin's intellectual strength, experience, and world-savvy perspective are crucial in a rapidly changing world. It is unknown how Thaksin will approach politics, social work, and national matters upon regaining freedom, but Phromphong believes his beneficial viewpoints, experience, and concern for the country and its people remain constant. Many still remember the two-term former Prime Minister as a fighter for justice with tangible achievements. The undeniable truth is that the public has never forgotten who improved their lives, and what remains in their hearts is not just words but proven accomplishments.