The Thai Department of Corrections confirmed on 26/2 that Thaksin Shinawatra would be eligible for parole in May, marking the point when the former prime minister of Thailand completes two-thirds of his one-year sentence.

Responding to questions about Thaksin's future in politics after his release, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, his daughter, stated her father "is likely to withdraw from politics" upon his release.

"He has been in prison for 6 months. He should stop. It's unlikely he will continue political activities," Paetongtarn, who also previously served as prime minister, stated today after leaving Klong Prem Central Prison, where Thaksin was detained.

Former prime minister of Thailand Paetongtarn Shinawatra (left) and her father Thaksin at the Supreme Court in Bangkok, 9/9/2025. *Photo: AFP*

Thaksin returned to Thailand in 2023 after more than 15 years in exile. He was sentenced to 8 years in prison for abuse of power during his tenure, a sentence later reduced to one year by a royal pardon.

Thaksin was detained at Klong Prem prison from 22/8/2023, but was soon transferred to the Police Hospital due to health reasons. Last year, the Supreme Court of Thailand ruled that his hospital treatment from 2023 to 2024 would not count towards his sentence and ordered him to return to prison from 9/9/2025.

Under Thai law, inmates who complete two-thirds of their prison term may apply for early release, subject to review and approval by prison boards, the Department of Corrections, and the Ministry of Justice.

The Department of Corrections stated that the prison board has not finalized the list of eligible inmates. This list is typically prepared one to two months in advance. The Department estimates fewer than 500 inmates at this prison are eligible for parole.

Despite his detention, Thaksin and the Shinawatra family reportedly retain significant influence in Thai politics. However, the Shinawatra family's political power has significantly weakened after Paetongtarn was ousted by the Thai Constitutional Court in August 2025 for violating public ethics, related to a phone call with Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen.

During the call two months prior, Paetongtarn referred to Hun Sen as "uncle" and described the Commander of Military Region 2 of Thailand as "part of the opposition". Conservative Thai MPs accused the Prime Minister of "humbling herself" before Cambodia, failing to protect Thailand amidst border tensions, harming the military's reputation, and violating constitutional provisions requiring the prime minister and ministers to be honest and meet public ethical standards.

Paetongtarn asserted there was no personal agenda in that call, but rather "for the benefit of the country, and the lives of the people, including civilians and soldiers".

Duc Trung (According to *Bangkok Post*, *Nation*, *Thai Rath*)