Thaksin’s Parole: Rights Unchanged

Parole Eligibility Review for Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra Continues

The parole rights of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra are presently intact, with his eligibility for parole scheduled for May 11. This confirmation comes as the ongoing review process for his case continues, according to Justice Minister Rutthaphon Naowarat.

Speaking from the Ministry of Justice, Pol Lt Gen Rutthaphon elaborated on the procedural steps involved in parole requests. He stated that such applications must first undergo a rigorous review by a prison committee. Following this, the case progresses to the Department of Corrections (DoC), then to the permanent secretary, and finally reaches the minister’s office for a decision.

Addressing reports that suggested a delay in the processing of Thaksin’s parole request, filed by his legal representative, Minister Rutthaphon confirmed that discussions with the DoC had been held. These conversations revealed that the case is still under active review by the prison committee. He emphasized that no individual would be unfairly deprived of their legal rights and that the review process is expected to be concluded well before Thaksin’s eligibility date.

Scrutiny and Procedural Norms in Parole Assessments

Pol Lt Col Prawut Wongseenil, the chief of the Department of Corrections, provided further insight into the assessment process. He explained that Thaksin’s application is currently being evaluated to ascertain whether all established criteria for parole have been met.

“Parole reviews are conducted on a monthly basis, with approximately 1,000 cases being considered in each review cycle,” Pol Lt Col Wongseenil stated. He underscored that the comprehensive nature of the process involves the coordination of multiple agencies to ensure that each case undergoes thorough and proper scrutiny.

He further clarified that the review process itself “does not typically take an excessive amount of time” and remains in progress.

Timeline and Anticipated Outcomes

Regarding the specific timeline for Thaksin’s potential release, Pol Lt Col Wongseenil reiterated that May 11 is the date on which he becomes eligible. However, he stressed that the final approval of his parole is contingent upon the decision made by the review committee.

A source within Klong Prem Central Prison indicated that Thaksin is anticipated to be among a group of approximately 500 inmates who will be eligible for parole. The final list of eligible individuals is expected to be issued by the end of March. It is widely expected that Thaksin’s name will be included in this list, paving the way for his potential release on May 11. The rigorous and multi-stage review process is designed to ensure fairness and adherence to legal standards for all applicants seeking parole. The ongoing assessment signifies the commitment to following established protocols, regardless of the applicant’s profile.