Thaksin returns home after parole as PM says he is ‘glad’
Thaksin Shinawatra returned to Chan Song La after reporting to probation, as Anutin welcomed his parole and officials listed 11 conditions
Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra returned to his Chan Song La residence at around 9am on Monday after being released on parole from Klong Prem Central Prison and reporting to the Probation Department to acknowledge the conditions attached to his release.
His return home came after 243 days in custody and was met by a lively crowd of family members, Pheu Thai MPs and red-shirt supporters. When his vehicle arrived outside Chan Song La, Thaksin asked the driver to stop so he could greet reporters and supporters waiting in front of the residence.
Asked about his health, Thaksin replied briefly: “I went into meditation for eight months. Now I can’t remember anything.” When asked in English how he felt after leaving Klong Prem prison, he answered: “Relieved.”
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul was also asked about Thaksin’s parole before chairing a national committee meeting to prepare for the 2026 annual meetings of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. Asked whether he would visit Thaksin at Chan Song La, Anutin smiled and said only: “Oh, I’m glad.”
The Department of Probation imposed 11 conditions on Thaksin during his parole period.
The conditions require him to:
- Reside at the address approved by authorities together with his designated guarantor.
- Obey the law and avoid any unlawful conduct.
- Work only in a lawful occupation.
- Follow instructions and advice from probation officers.
- Participate in rehabilitation or behavioural development activities arranged by officials.
- Report regularly to probation officers once every month.
- Obtain permission before travelling outside the designated area or province.
- Refrain from behaviour deemed harmful or likely to cause public disorder.
- Avoid involvement with narcotics, psychotropic substances, firearms, ammunition and explosives.
- Avoid visiting, contacting or associating with prisoners or detainees who are not relatives.
- Avoid associating with individuals or groups that could lead to reoffending or create public concern.
Officials said no additional special conditions had been imposed beyond the standard parole requirements. Thaksin must also carry and present his parole certificate when requested by administrative officials, police or prison officers. Failure to comply with conditions could result in his parole being revoked and a return to prison.
