reader Posted February 14 Posted February 14 From The Nation Justice Minister Thawee Sodsong confirmed that he has approved Thaksin Shinawatra’s parole as he is believed to have completed half his jail term without spending a single night behind bars. Thawee was responding to earlier reports on Tuesday morning quoting a source from the Justice Ministry saying that the former PM was among the inmates allowed to “spend the rest of their jail terms at home”. Thaksin’s name was reportedly added to a list initially approved by a subcommittee of the Corrections Department, before being given to Thawee for the final stamp of approval. The source added that the subcommittee considered Thaksin eligible for parole because he has “served” half of his one-year jail term. Thaksin, whose government was overthrown in a military coup in September 2006, had been in self-imposed exile overseas for 15 years before returning to Thailand on August 22 last year. He was sentenced in absentia to eight years in jail in a couple of corruption cases. Upon arriving in Thailand, Thaksin was almost immediately taken to the Supreme Court to acknowledge his jail term and then to the Bangkok Remand Prison. However, later that very night, he was rushed to the Police General Hospital for an unidentified condition and has been receiving treatment there since. It was earlier reported that Thaksin would complete half of his term on February 18, as it would mark 180 days in detention counting from August 22 last year. The source, however, said that so far it cannot be confirmed when Thaksin will be released as the Justice Ministry has to complete proceedings before the actual release date can be announced. Marc in Calif 1 Quote
vinapu Posted February 14 Posted February 14 shocking news and I never hoped I will see that day. Only wonder what took them that long but I guess appearances still count TMax 1 Quote
Keithambrose Posted February 15 Posted February 15 I think we all thought this was organised before he returned. Nice to be proved right! Typical Thailand. vinapu and TMax 2 Quote
reader Posted February 18 Author Posted February 18 From Thai PBS World Thaksin Shinawatra was released on parole and returned to his family mansion, Ban Chan Song La in Bangkok, this morning. This is the first glimpse the media has had of him since he was admitted to the Police General Hospital 180 days ago. At 6.09am, the convoy of Thaksin and his family vans left the hospital. Thaksin and Paetongtarn were seen together in a black van followed by a security detail in a black SUV. Thaksin wore a green face mask and a neck support. At 6.32am, the entourage arrived at the Chan Song La residence, as supporters and observers gathered in front. Officers from Bang Phlat police station were deployed to help direct traffic in the neighbourhood. Since last night, a large media cohort has been stationed outside Thaksin’s home. vinapu 1 Quote
reader Posted February 24 Author Posted February 24 From Thai PBS World PM visits Thaksin at home Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin paid a private visit to former prime minister and prison parolee Thaksin Shinawatra at his Ban Chan Song La residence in Thonburi on Saturday morning. He was seen arriving in a brand new “sonic titanium” Lexus LM350H Executive 4-seater prime ministerial staff car. He lowered the window to “wai” reporters and photographers gathered in front of the residence, without giving an interview. He is the first high-ranking Thai government official to visit Thaksin since he was released on parole from the Police General Hospital on February 18th. The first VIP to visit Thaksin was former Cambodian prime minister Hun Sen. The prime minister said that Thaksin offered him moral support and asked him to look after his health, adding that they did not discuss politics but that he would welcome Thaksin’s recommendations or opinions. He praised Thaksin as Thailand’s most popular prime minister and for being very resourceful. Thaksin’s health, he said, appears to be improving, though he stills looks tired but is cheerful, perhaps because he is now home after 17 years of living in exile. Quote
Keithambrose Posted February 24 Posted February 24 1 hour ago, reader said: From Thai PBS World PM visits Thaksin at home Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin paid a private visit to former prime minister and prison parolee Thaksin Shinawatra at his Ban Chan Song La residence in Thonburi on Saturday morning. He was seen arriving in a brand new “sonic titanium” Lexus LM350H Executive 4-seater prime ministerial staff car. He lowered the window to “wai” reporters and photographers gathered in front of the residence, without giving an interview. He is the first high-ranking Thai government official to visit Thaksin since he was released on parole from the Police General Hospital on February 18th. The first VIP to visit Thaksin was former Cambodian prime minister Hun Sen. The prime minister said that Thaksin offered him moral support and asked him to look after his health, adding that they did not discuss politics but that he would welcome Thaksin’s recommendations or opinions. He praised Thaksin as Thailand’s most popular prime minister and for being very resourceful. Thaksin’s health, he said, appears to be improving, though he stills looks tired but is cheerful, perhaps because he is now home after 17 years of living in exile. I assume the PM is totally unconcerned about taking advice from a convicted criminal! Quote
vinapu Posted February 25 Posted February 25 10 hours ago, Keithambrose said: I assume the PM is totally unconcerned about taking advice from a convicted criminal! you sound like Putin talking about late Navalny Quote
Keithambrose Posted February 25 Posted February 25 6 hours ago, vinapu said: you sound like Putin talking about late Navalny I'm not sure that the Thai pm will murder Thaksin! Quote
vinapu Posted February 25 Posted February 25 1 hour ago, Keithambrose said: I'm not sure that the Thai pm will murder Thaksin! certainly not this PM Quote
reader Posted March 4 Author Posted March 4 From Thai PBS World Thaksin is the most influential person in Thai politics Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra is the most influential person in Thai politics, more so even than Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and Pita Limjaroenrat, advisor to Move Forward party leader, according to an opinion survey by the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA). The NIDA poll gauged the opinions of 1,310 Thais aged over 18 from 27th to 29th February. Asked who they think is the most influential person in Thai politics, 42.90% of the respondents said Thaksin, 21.91% said Srettha, 17% chose Pita, 15.11% said former prime minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, 9.01% said Paetongtarn Shinawatra and 6.11% went for General Prawit Wongsuwan, leader of the Palang Pracharath party. 10.15% chose nobody. Asked about which politician is worthy of the most sympathy, 46.79% said Pita, followed by former Future Forward party leader Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, Srettha, Prayut and Thaksin. Quote
vinapu Posted March 5 Posted March 5 21 hours ago, reader said: Asked who they think is the most influential person in Thai politics, 42.90% of the respondents said Thaksin, 21.91% said Srettha, 17% chose Pita, 15.11% said former prime minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, 9.01% said Paetongtarn Shinawatra and 6.11% went for General Prawit Wongsuwan, leader of the Palang Pracharath party. 10.15% chose nobody. one name is missing from that list and I think we all know why Quote
reader Posted March 7 Author Posted March 7 From Thai PBS World Thaksin to visit Chiang Mai next week Former PM Thaksin Shinawatra is set to travel in his private jet to visit his home province of Chiang Mai next week, an informed source said today. Currently released from prison on parole, he will pay his respects at the Bangkok city pillar shrine before departing for Chiang Mai on March 14. During his visit, he will be staying at a residence within Summit Green Valley, in Mae Rim district, where he will be visited by family members and relatives in the evening. On March 15, Thaksin and his family will participate in respect and merit making rituals at the temple in San Kamphaeng district, where his ancestors’ relics are interred. Thaksin is scheduled to return to Bangkok the next day. Quote
Keithambrose Posted March 7 Posted March 7 10 hours ago, reader said: From Thai PBS World Thaksin to visit Chiang Mai next week Former PM Thaksin Shinawatra is set to travel in his private jet to visit his home province of Chiang Mai next week, an informed source said today. Currently released from prison on parole, he will pay his respects at the Bangkok city pillar shrine before departing for Chiang Mai on March 14. During his visit, he will be staying at a residence within Summit Green Valley, in Mae Rim district, where he will be visited by family members and relatives in the evening. On March 15, Thaksin and his family will participate in respect and merit making rituals at the temple in San Kamphaeng district, where his ancestors’ relics are interred. Thaksin is scheduled to return to Bangkok the next day. He must be really unwell! vinapu 1 Quote
