Ko Kaew expects about a thousand Red Shirts to gather today, preparing 700 lottery tickets for distribution. He asks the media not to draw Thaksin out again and urges rival factions to coexist separately. He emphasizes that Thaksin is not involved in politics nor holding any position and disagrees with the imposition of the EM bracelet, believing political issues are involved.
On 10 May 2026, outside Klong Prem Prison, Ko Kaew Pikulthong, Deputy Leader of the Pheu Thai Party, said the Department of Corrections will release former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra on parole tomorrow between 7:00 and 8:00 a.m. Red Shirt supporters have planned to gather from 6:00 a.m. onwards. He expects a large turnout, with some from provinces staying overnight. Around a thousand are expected to assemble in the evening to revive memories of democracy and their affection for Thaksin. The total number for tomorrow is uncertain as people will come independently, but he believes several thousand will attend. After Thaksin's release, he is unsure if the Department of Corrections will allow meetings with Red Shirts and does not wish to interfere.
Members of the Pheu Thai Party, from executive committee members to MPs, are expected to come in large numbers to welcome Thaksin, who is regarded as a spiritual leader and founder of the Thai Rak Thai and Pheu Thai parties. Ko Kaew believes Thaksin will not engage in political activities, preferring to stay with his grandchildren due to his age. The issues in the past arose because Thaksin is an important national figure—intelligent with a broad vision—leading media and others to seek his opinions on various matters, especially solutions to national problems. When many people ask him questions, he naturally responds. Therefore, this is not political activism but sharing perspectives from someone with knowledge, experience, and vision on how to resolve national issues. Ko Kaew emphasizes that Thaksin’s return is primarily to be with his family.
Red Shirts are concerned for Thaksin and do not want him to face an uncertain fate in the future. They wish him happiness with his family in his later years and want any political comments to be viewed as non-political. They also ask the media not to draw him out unnecessarily, as when he does express opinions, he faces criticism of political activism.
“I want to address those who bear grudges: Many are angry at him without understanding why, holding intense resentment as if it’s a matter of life and death, wanting him to remain imprisoned repeatedly. Their hearts lack compassion despite claiming to follow Buddhism. It is unbelievable that Thai society has reached this level. I urge all opponents not to interfere with him. Let Thaksin live with his family and children. Do not draw him out. Everyone should live separately. What has passed should be left behind. In the future, I ask that we live peacefully so Thai society can move forward positively,” Ko Kaew said.
Ko Kaew affirmed that Thaksin cannot be involved in or hold any political position but can remain in the hearts of Thai people forever. Regarding the EM bracelet, it is a parole regulation, but he personally strongly disagrees with it. The bracelet is designed for prisoners under surveillance in case they escape or reoffend during parole. Thaksin, as a former prime minister and founder of Thai Rak Thai and Pheu Thai parties currently in government, has a fixed residence and no intention of fleeing.
“I understand because political dimensions are involved. I do not mind others, but I will remember who does anything to my leader,” Ko Kaew said.
Ko Kaew also thanked the Red Shirts who come every week, spending their own money and standing under the sun and wind, hoping they won’t have to come anymore after this. Regarding the lottery tickets, he originally planned to distribute 200 but found that insufficient, so he increased the number to 700. These will be given to Red Shirts as a lucky gift from Thaksin.