Corrections department rejects claims of irregularities in Thaksin parole

The Department of Corrections has issued a formal clarification regarding the parole of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, insisting that the process complied with all legal requirements and ministerial regulations under the Corrections Act of 2017.

The statement follows public concern that the 2021 ministerial regulation outlining parole criteria conflicts with Section 52 of the 2017 Corrections Act. Critics had argued that Thaksin, as a “medium-class” inmate serving his sentence, should not have been eligible for early release.

In its announcement yesterday, the department said Section 52 of the Corrections Act provides only a broad framework for eight types of inmate benefits and does not explicitly set criteria for parole.

However, the 2021 ministerial regulation specifies that inmates classified as “medium-class” and above are eligible for parole after serving no more than one-third of their sentence.

The department said this provision was issued under legal authority and approved by the Corrections Board, and therefore does not conflict with the primary law.

The department added that in Thaksin’s case, his sentence was reduced to one year by royal commutation.

A ruling by the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions also set a new commencement date for his sentence. As a result, his case does not constitute a repeat offence under the law.

He also met the required criteria, including being classified as a medium-level inmate and having served at least two-thirds of his sentence, making him eligible for parole consideration.

The subcommittee on parole consideration reviewed the facts, circumstances and qualifications and found them to be fully in line with legal criteria and ministerial regulations.

It said there was no discrimination or preferential treatment beyond what the law allows.

The department also emphasised that the entire process was conducted within the legal framework, with transparency and verifiability at every stage.