Lese majeste appeal will not affect Thaksin’s May parole hearing: Lawyer
Sign up now: Get insights on Asia's fast-moving developments
The corrections department had announced that former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra will be eligible for parole on May 11.
PHOTO: BLOOMBERG
BANGKOK - The son of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra said on March 2 that his father is in good health, while Thaksin’s lawyer said an ongoing appeal in an Article 112 (lese majeste) case would not affect Thaksin’s schedule to be released on parole in May
Mr Panthongtae Shinawatra and lawyer Winyat Chatmontree spoke to reporters at 11.30am after visiting Thaksin at Klong Prem Central Prison.
Mr Panthongtae and Mr Winyat visited Thaksin along with Mr Panthongtae’s wife Nattiya and Thaksin’s brother-in-law, Mr Bannaphot Damapong. It marked the 44th family visit to Thaksin, who has been detained at the prison for five months and 20 days.
The corrections department had announced that Thaksin would be eligible for parole on May 11.
Son says Thaksin did not discuss the planned parole release
Mr Panthongtae told reporters that his father was in good health. He said he discussed general matters with Thaksin but did not talk about the scheduled parole release.
Mr Winyat said that, based on his conversation with Thaksin, Thaksin’s health was much better than during the first days of his imprisonment.
He said Thaksin was smiling and appeared in good health after meeting his son and relatives.
Mr Winyat added that he was in the process of coordinating Thaksin’s parole, saying the release would be beneficial for Thaksin’s health and for his family.
Lawyer insists Article 112 appeal “won’t impact” parole
Mr Winyat expressed confidence that the appeal against Thaksin in the Article 112 case would definitely not affect his release on parole.
“It’s a different case and matter, so it won’t impact his parole. Those who are awaiting his release can be reassured of his release,” the lawyer said.
On Aug 22, 2025, the Criminal Court dismissed the charges against Thaksin filed by public prosecutors, who alleged that Thaksin suggested members of the Privy Council (the King’s advisers) were involved in orchestrating the 2014 military coup that ousted his sister’s government.
In a move that surprised many observers, the new attorney-general, Mr Itthiporn Kaewthip, overrode a committee recommendation and filed an appeal against the acquittal.
The case is currently before the Court of Appeal. Thaksin’s legal team submitted their counter-response in late 2025, and a ruling is expected later in 2026.
