Imprisoned former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra will become eligible for parole on May 10th and, subject to approval, could walk free the following day, Thai PBS World reported, citing a February 25th statement from the Corrections Department.
Thaksin is currently serving a one-year prison sentence at Klong Prem Central Prison under a ruling of the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions. He began serving his term on September 9th, 2025, and is scheduled to complete it on September 9th, 2026. Under regulations, inmates may apply for parole after completing two-thirds of their sentence.
The department said a sentence reduction panel will determine whether Thaksin must wear an electronic monitoring device if released. It emphasized that parole consideration is conducted in accordance with the law and human rights principles, without discrimination.
Thaksin’s current incarceration stems from historical convictions involving abuse of power and corruption. Although his original sentences were reduced by royal pardon following his return to Thailand in 2023, the Supreme Court ruled in September 2025 that time spent in a police hospital on medical grounds did not count toward serving his sentence in a correctional facility.
The former leader has remained a prominent political figure and a vocal supporter of legalizing casinos under an “Entertainment Complex” model. The initiative was advanced during the premiership of his daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who argued that regulated casinos could generate up to THB220 billion ($7.08 billion) in annual tourism revenue and create thousands of jobs.
However, the proposal faced public opposition and political resistance. Following Paetongtarn’s removal from office in August 2025 and the subsequent formation of a new government under Anutin Charnvirakul, the casino legalization bill was shelved. Anutin has publicly stated that gambling legalization will not proceed under his leadership.
As of early 2026, Thailand’s casino debate remains on hold, pending further political developments.
