THE CORRECTIONS Department said today (Jan. 17) that de facto Pheu Thai boss-cum-prisoner Thaksin Shinawatra meets the criteria for parole and once released may take up a political role, Naewna newspaper said.
This was stated during a press conference at the Justice Ministry attended by Mr. Somboon Muangklam, adviser to Justice Minister Thawee Sodsong, Mr. Guheng Yawhasan, secretary to the Justice Minister, along with Mr. Sitthi Sutheewong, administrative deputy director-general of the Corrections Department and Dr. Sompop Sangkutkaew, chief inspector-general of the Corrections Department.
Somboon said procedures had been correctly followed in allowing Thaksin to undergo medical treatment outside the prison when he completed 30, 60 and over 120 days’ stay at Police Hospital.
On Jan. 12 Mrs. Phongsawat Neelayothin, Justice Ministry’s permanent secretary, signed a document granting permission for him to continue staying outside the prison for medical treatment and yesterday Jan. 16, Justice Minister Thawee signed a document acknowledging his continued stay at this hospital in excess of 136 days.
He added that a representative of the Ombudsman’s Office had visited Thaksin on the 14th floor of Police Hospital and he was actually there and not staying at a condominium as some people suspect.
Sitthi said prisoners cannot themselves ask for parole with prison authorities having to decide who fits the criteria and then forward their names to the Corrections Department committee to consider at their monthly meeting.
However, Mr. Nasthee Thongplad, commander of Bangkok Remand Prison, had not yet submitted Thaksin’s name.
Even so, Sitti said that Thaksin does meet this criteria being elderly with symptoms showing he is suffering from some serious illnesses,
However if a prisoner does not want to wear an EM bracelet upon being released he/she must have a reason for not doing so.
Nonetheless, Thaksin could take up a political role once freed on parole if this does not violate applicable regulations, he added.
CAPTION:
De facto Pheu Thai boss Thaksin Shinawatra next to Police Hospital, above, and flying back to Thailand on Aug. 22, 2023, Front Page. Top photo: Sanook.com, Front Page photo: Naewna
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