Mr Thaksin could be released next month.

Thailand's correctional agency official says former prime minister Thaksin is eligible for parole next month due to health and age issues.

"According to the criteria, Mr. Thaksin is eligible for special amnesty," Deputy Director General of Thailand's Department of Corrections Sitthi Sutivong told reporters on January 17 when asked whether former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra would be released next month.

However, Mr. Sitthi added that his agency has not yet received a request from Bangkok Prison for a pardon for former Prime Minister Thaksin.

Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin at Don Mueang Airport, Bangkok, in August 2023. Photo: Reuters

Mr. Thaksin, 74, returned to Thailand in August 2023 and was arrested shortly afterward. He was sentenced to eight years in prison for abuse of power and was pardoned by the Thai royal family to one year in prison.

Just hours after arriving at the Bangkok prison, Mr Thaksin was admitted to the Police General Hospital. The former Thai prime minister remains in the hospital.

Many activist groups opposed to Mr Thaksin accuse him of preferential treatment and point out that since the former Thai prime minister returned to the country, he has not spent a single day in prison.

Thailand’s Department of Corrections said last week that Thaksin suffered from a number of serious illnesses that could put his life in danger if he returned to prison. A doctor recently said Thaksin suffered from high blood pressure, narrowed blood vessels, hepatitis B and had undergone two surgeries since being admitted to hospital.

Mr Thaksin returned to Thailand when a new government was formed, led by the Pheu Thai party, which is linked to his family. Mr Thaksin had been prime minister since 2001 but was ousted in a military coup in 2006. He then left the country and has lived in exile since 2008.

Ngoc Anh (According to Reuters )

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