Red shirts start camping outside Bangkok prison before Thaksin’s release Monday

‘Red-shirt’ supporters have been streaming towards Klong Prem Central Prison today, preparing to welcome former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who is due to be released on parole tomorrow morning after serving eight months of his one-year jail term.

Some of Thaksin’s supporters have started erecting makeshift shelters as they prepare to camp outside the prison. Temporary stalls selling food, drinks and souvenirs have also appeared, creating a lively atmosphere.

One of Thaksin’s supporters, 65-year-old Sukham Duanglert, a resident of Mae Suai district in Chiang Rai province, told a Thai PBS

reporter that she arrived in Bangkok this morning by train with three friends to offer Thaksin moral support.

She said they would spend the night outside the prison, even though conditions were likely to be uncomfortable and possibly wet.

About 50 riot-control police officers are stationed at the prison to maintain peace and order until Thaksin is released.

The Corrections Department has also assigned about 50 officials to guard the prison compound and prevent supporters from getting too close to the prison fence.

Meanwhile, traffic police have advised motorists to avoid Ngam Wong Wan Road, which runs past the prison, until noon tomorrow.