Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s Daughter Reveals New Details on His Imprisonment
Former prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and her husband Pitaka Suksawat were greeted by a large group of red-shirt supporters as they arrived at the Klongprem Central Prison in Bangkok to visit her father Thaksin Shinawatra. The couple was met with cheers, applause, and traditional wai gestures from the crowd, who had gathered outside the prison on Ngamwongwan Road in Chatuchak district.
As per reports, this was the fourth time that Thaksin’s family has been allowed to see him since his imprisonment by the Supreme Court on September 9. The court ordered him to serve a one-year term in prison after finding that his six-month stay in a luxury hospital ward did not meet the conditions of his sentence.
The prison visit came as tensions surrounding Thaksin’s incarceration continue to simmer, with many supporters calling for his release or expressing concerns about his treatment behind bars. Despite these concerns, Paetongtarn Shinawatra seemed optimistic during her visit, revealing new details about her father’s situation in the prison.
According to Paetongtarn, the corrections chief at Klongprem Central Prison had assigned Thaksin to help oversee drain-cleaning operations within the facility. She revealed this information while speaking to reporters from various news agencies outside the prison grounds. The revelation comes as a surprise to many, given that Thaksin is serving a one-year term in prison.
Thaksin’s Health and Treatment
During her visit, Paetongtarn Shinawatra also addressed concerns about her father’s health and treatment behind bars. According to reports, the former prime minister has been receiving regular check-ups and medical attention while incarcerated.
When asked by reporters whether Thaksin’s grandchildren had sent any letters or messages to him, Paetongtarn replied that they had not done so on this occasion but would soon be allowed to video call their grandfather via Line. However, she noted that the schedule for such visits was still being finalized with their lawyer.
Paetongtarn’s comments came as a reassuring sign to supporters who have been concerned about Thaksin’s well-being during his imprisonment. Her words were met with appreciation and gratitude from those gathered outside the prison grounds.
Supporters Continue to Rally Behind Thaksin
Despite the efforts of authorities to maintain order and discipline within the prison, Thaksin continues to receive widespread support from his followers and supporters. A group of red-shirt supporters had gathered outside the Klongprem Central Prison on Ngamwongwan Road in Chatuchak district, where they played recordings of songs sung by Thaksin through loudspeakers.
Some supporters carried red umbrellas printed with cartoon images of Thaksin, a testament to their dedication and loyalty towards him. When Paetongtarn and her husband arrived at the prison, they were greeted warmly by the crowd and thanked them for their continued support.
Assigning Inmates to Public Service Work
The revelation that Thaksin has been assigned to help supervise drain-cleaning operations within the prison raises questions about the role of inmates in public service work. According to reports, any assignment must comply with regulations outlined in a 2023 directive governing the deployment of inmates for public service outside prison grounds.
Kanokwan Jiewchueaphan, deputy spokeswoman for the Department of Corrections, confirmed that Thaksin had expressed his intention to assist with public service work during a meeting with the director of Klongprem prison. She noted that any such assignment must adhere to departmental regulations and guidelines.
Background on Thaksin’s Imprisonment
Thaksin Shinawatra was sentenced to one year in prison after the Supreme Court rejected his claims of illness that had allowed him to stay at Police General Hospital from August 2023 until his parole in early 2024. The court found that his six-month stay in a luxury hospital ward did not meet the conditions of his sentence.
On September 9, Thaksin was admitted to Bangkok Remand Prison and transferred to Klongprem prison for convicts whose sentences have been finalized on the following day. His imprisonment has sparked widespread controversy and debate, with many calling for his release or expressing concerns about his treatment behind bars.
Conclusion
Thaksin Shinawatra’s daughter Paetongtarn revealed new details about her father’s situation in prison during a recent visit to Klongprem Central Prison. The former prime minister has been assigned to help oversee drain-cleaning operations within the facility, according to reports. Despite concerns surrounding his treatment behind bars, Thaksin remains optimistic and committed to contributing to public service work.
The continued support of red-shirt supporters outside the prison grounds is a testament to Thaksin’s enduring popularity and influence in Thai politics. As the situation continues to unfold, many are left wondering what lies ahead for Thaksin Shinawatra and his family.