Thaksin Shinawatra smiled as he stepped out of prison, hugging Ink, Aim, and Oak—his family. Pheu Thai party members and Red Shirt supporters crowded to welcome him. He did not give any media interviews but got into a Mercedes-Maybach, lowering the window to greet those who came to encourage him.
At 07:41 on 11 May 2026, the moment arrived when Thaksin Shinawatra, former Prime Minister, stepped out through the gates of Klong Prem Central Prison after being granted parole following eight months—243 days—of incarceration. He wore a white polo shirt, long jeans, sneakers, and had a short haircut as per the Department of Corrections regulations. He first embraced Ms. Paethongtarn Shinawatra, the youngest daughter of the former prime minister, followed by Ms. Pinthongta Shinawatra Khunakornwong, the second child, and then Mr. Panthongtae Shinawatra, the eldest son. Family members, MPs, and Pheu Thai party members, along with Red Shirt supporters, surrounded him to offer encouragement and present flowers.
Then, at 07:53, they honored the national flag in front of the prison. At 07:55, Thaksin waved to supporters before getting into a Mercedes-Maybach with license plate Phor Thor 4444, Bangkok, accompanied by Ms. Paethongtarn. They traveled to the probation department to have an EM bracelet fitted. He lowered the car window to greet the crowd that had gathered, spending some time due to the large number of people surrounding the vehicle. He did not give any interviews to the media.
