WITH security tightened around Police Hospital this afternoon (Feb. 17) as there is now less than 12 hours left for de facto Pheu Thai boss Thaksin Shinawatra to be released on parole, with this effective from midnight tonight, it appears protesters have decided to stay away, TV Channel 7 and Amarin TV said.
Reporters from several newspapers and agencies had gathered there to follow movements but only saw a team of plain clothes policemen patrolling the compound with some cones put in place to block parking areas.
Some reporters then called Ms. Puangthip Bunsanong, or Attorney Mint, a lawyer for the Students Network for Reforming Thailand, who said their group is not holding any activity in front of the hospital today but are discussing possible future action.
It was heard that Thaksin will return to his Chan Song Lah residence in the Thonburi side of the city from midnight tonight till Sunday morning and will be travelling in a hospital vehicle departing from the basement parking zone to avoid the media.
The area around the house was still quiet but a few of supporters had already come round to welcome him back with one of them being Mrs. Wanli Sappradit, 78, who was standing there holding a photo of the two of them taken in Cambodia.
She said she came a day early because she lives in this area and will be back again tomorrow when the atmosphere is expected to be lively.
CAPTIONS:
Top and Front Page: Composite photo of de facto Pheu Thai boss Thaksin Shinawatra and Police Hospital. Credit: Thai Rath
Insert: Mrs. Wanli Sappradit outside de facto Pheu Thai boss Thaksin Shinawatra’s house today, Feb. 17, 2024. Photo: Amarin TV
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