19-9-2023 (BANGKOK) Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who has been incarcerated, underwent surgery last week, according to his daughter’s statement on Tuesday (Sep 19). This development comes as his family explores the possibility of seeking his release on parole.
The 74-year-old billionaire faced ousting by a military coup in 2006 and subsequently spent over 15 years in self-imposed exile. He returned to Thailand last month and was immediately taken into custody upon arrival. Due to his ailing health, he was swiftly transferred to a private room at a police hospital. Earlier this month, the king commuted his initial eight-year sentence to just one year.
Thaksin’s daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, informed reporters of her father’s recent surgery but refrained from disclosing specific details about the operation or its duration.
Speculation has been rife in Thailand regarding a potential undisclosed agreement to grant Thaksin leniency on his convictions for graft and abuse of power. This speculation has been fueled by the fact that he returned to Thailand on the same day his Pheu Thai party assumed power in a coalition with pro-military parties.
Paetongtarn, a prominent figure within Pheu Thai, indicated that the family is exploring options for her father’s release on parole due to his deteriorating health. She mentioned, “We are studying the law about what can be done for him to stay at home. But we haven’t applied for it yet.”
According to the Department of Corrections, an elderly inmate with health issues can seek parole after spending a minimum of six months in prison. This timeline would potentially make Thaksin eligible for parole in February.
When asked about her father’s condition, Paetongtarn noted, “There are some good and bad days.” Upon his transfer to the police hospital, prison officials cited Thaksin’s chest pains, high blood pressure, and low blood oxygen as health concerns.
