A historical timeline from Thaksin Shinawatra's return to Thailand, his act of bowing to the Thai land, his imprisonment, and eventual parole allowing him to return to live with his family at Baan Jan Song La.
On 8 May 2026 GMT+7, it was confirmed that former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra would be granted parole following the decision by the parole review committees at Klong Prem Central Prison, the Department, and the Ministry levels, with conditions to wear an EM bracelet and a travel ban outside the country.
The rationale was that Thaksin met the criteria under the Corrections Act B.E. 2560 (2017), the Ministry regulations on prisoner benefits B.E. 2562 (2019), and its amendments (2nd edition) B.E. 2564 (2021). He is classified as a medium-risk prisoner who has served two-thirds of his sentence as stated in the final conviction notice and has been granted parole not exceeding one-third of the sentence. Therefore, he qualified for standard parole on 11 May 2026 GMT+7 and could be released on probation from that date, subject to compliance with probation conditions until full sentence completion.
28 February 2008 GMT+7: First return to Thailand. Following the 19 September 2006 military coup, upon arrival at Suvarnabhumi Airport, Thaksin bowed to the motherland’s soil—a historic image widely discussed. He returned to face political cases before fleeing abroad for a second exile lasting 17 years.
22 August 2023 GMT+7: Second return to Thailand. Arriving by private jet (MJETS) from Dubai, UAE, with a stopover in Singapore, then landing at Don Mueang Airport to enter the justice process. Upon arrival, he bowed before the royal portrait at the terminal, greeted by his children, before being taken to the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Political Office Holders, where he was sentenced in three cases totaling eight years’ imprisonment.
Thaksin was then sent to Bangkok Remand Prison due to being a vulnerable group over 60 years old with chronic illnesses requiring monitoring. At 23:59, he suffered a relapse with chest tightness and high blood pressure, leading to transfer to Police General Hospital for ongoing treatment.
31 August 2023 GMT+7: The Royal Gazette published the announcement of a royal pardon reducing his sentence by one year, enabling him to use his knowledge and experience to benefit the nation, society, and the people, following Thaksin’s petition for clemency.
18 February 2024 GMT+7: Qualified for parole and transferred from Police General Hospital to Baan Jan Song La residence.
Thaksin was among 945 prisoners eligible for parole—those aged 70 or over with serious illnesses who have served at least six months or one-third of their sentence. He was permitted to return home for treatment but required monthly reporting. He left Police General Hospital wearing a neck and arm brace, returning to Baan Jan Song La on Charansanitwong 69 Alley.
13 June – 30 July 2025 GMT+7: The Supreme Court scheduled seven hearings involving Thaksin, related parties, and 31 witnesses. Thaksin did not attend in person but appointed lawyer Winyat Chatmontri to represent him. The court set 9 September 2025 GMT+7 for the verdict.
4 September 2025 GMT+7: A few days before the verdict, Thaksin departed Thailand via private plane from Don Mueang Airport, stating he was going to see a doctor in Singapore. Immigration delayed him nearly two hours, causing him to miss the flight, so he rerouted to Dubai to consult a doctor who had treated him before. He confirmed he would return to Thailand by 8 September 2025 GMT+7.
8 September 2025 GMT+7: An unexpected return.
Amid rumors and close scrutiny, Thaksin returned to Thailand once again. This return marked a clear willingness to face justice and hear the verdict in his cases related to treatment on the 14th floor of Police General Hospital.
9 September 2025 GMT+7: New sentencing order.
The Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Political Office Holders issued a significant ruling to restart the counting of his sentence, stating prior enforcement and hospitalization were unlawful and time spent at Police General Hospital could not be deducted from imprisonment. Consequently, Thaksin had to return to prison to serve one year as per the royal pardon decree.
27 November 2025 GMT+7: First image as a prisoner.
Pattama Shinawatra (“Ink”), former Prime Minister’s daughter, shared new images of her father on social media for the first time. Thaksin appeared in a blue prison uniform with short hair, embraced by his children during a family visit. Though physically thinner, his eyes still showed a smile. He sent a message to well-wishers: "I am still well, feel the love, and send my care back to everyone."
Family bonds behind prison bars.
Throughout his loss of freedom, the Shinawatra family has been a vital support. His sons and daughters have taken turns visiting Klong Prem Central Prison regularly, twice a week, totaling 61 visits as steadfast children.
25 February 2026 GMT+7: The Department of Corrections confirmed his legal status qualifying him for parole in May after serving two-thirds of his sentence or eight months, according to regulations.
31 March 2026 GMT+7: The prison-level committee approved his name for parole.
29 April 2026 GMT+7: The Ministry of Justice officially approved the parole, with the key condition of EM bracelet monitoring.
May 2026 GMT+7: A day of new beginnings.
After completing eight months of imprisonment on 10 May 2026 GMT+7, early on 11 May 2026 GMT+7, Thaksin regained freedom after 243 days in prison. Although released, he remains under strict probation, required to report regularly and reside at Baan Jan Song La, prohibited from leaving the area without permission.
This condition will continue for another four months until 9 September 2026 GMT+7, when Thaksin Shinawatra will be fully released, officially closing his sentence under the justice system.
