Bangkok: Red Shirt protesters are camped out in front of the prison waiting to welcome Thaksin. This morning, groups of Red Shirt supporters began arriving in front of Klong Prem Prison to await the arrival of Thaksin Shinawatra, following the subcommittee’s decision confirming that Thaksin will be granted parole tomorrow (May 11).
According to Thai News Agency, throughout this morning, Red Shirt supporters have been preparing the area in front of Klong Prem Prison, setting up a stage for speeches in anticipation of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s parole release tomorrow (May 11th). Supporters have put up welcome signs for Red Shirt groups from various provinces. The atmosphere remains orderly, with Red Shirt supporters beginning to gather. Activities are scheduled to start at 2 PM, and it is expected that some will camp overnight in front of the prison. Police are providing security and managing traffic. Traffic on Ngamwongwan Road, in the far left lane, is continuously congested along the prison grounds, from Vibhavadi Rangsit intersection to Phong Phet intersection, due to the increasing number of people arriving in the area.
For Mr. Thaksin Shinawatra, he is one of 859 prisoners granted parole under the general parole criteria. He is required to wear an EM (Electronic Monitoring) bracelet for the duration of his parole until September 9th. After his release, he must report to the Probation Office within three days, between May 11th and 13th, as his residence, “Baan Chansongla,” is located within the office’s jurisdiction. He is expected to report monthly until the end of his parole. However, if necessary for health reasons, such as undergoing an MRI or treatment involving magnetic fields, the probationer can request the temporary removal of the EM bracelet. This requires a medical certificate confirming that the bracelet hinders treatment. Upon completion of treatment, the bracelet must be reattached. Permanent removal of the EM bracelet is only possible in cases of serious health problems, such as being bedridden, having ankle wounds, or where the bracelet clearly negatively impacts health. Such requests must be submitted to the
same subcommittee for further consideration.
Regarding the probation conditions, there are no special political prohibitions, but the general criteria remain the same as for other parolees. These include reporting as scheduled, being prohibited from leaving the province without permission, complying with the law, refraining from involvement with drugs, firearms, or committing further offenses, and being unable to travel abroad as he remains a parolee. However, if a royal pardon is granted during his parole period and Mr. Thaksin meets the criteria, the Department of Corrections will propose to the court the issuance of an early release warrant.
Winyat Chatmontri, Thaksin’s personal lawyer, revealed that after leaving prison, Thaksin will immediately return to his home in Chansongla and will report to his probation officer within three days as scheduled.
Reporters further reported that tomorrow (May 11), Mr. Thaksin will begin processing documents inside the prison from 7:00 AM before leaving the infirmary area for the front gate of the prison at approximately 7:45 AM. He will then participate in the flag-raising ceremony at 8:00 AM, where the Shinawatra family will be waiting to welcome him.