Can Thaksin stay out of prison?

Thaksin Shinawatra, who recently saw his 8-year jail term reduced to one year in a pardon granted by H.M. the King, is currently receiving treatment at the Police Hospital for a range of conditions.

But whether he can stay out of prison for the remaining term of his sentence is down to the Ministry of Justice, which in 2020 issued new regulations concerning sending an incarcerated person for medical treatment outside of prison.

In summary, the criteria are as follows:

If the incarcerated person is unwell, and the prison hospital cannot provide adequate treatment, the prison authorities have the authority to permit the individual to receive medical treatment outside of prison. This may even involve private hospitals if necessary.

However, if such medical treatment outside of prison exceeds 30 days, any continuation must be approved by the director-general of the Department of…