Corrections Department offers explanation for Thaksin’s release on parole

Thaksin is seen here sitting alone poolside at Ban Chan Song La after his release on parole. (Image Courtesy: Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s Instagram)

The Corrections Department issued a statement today, insisting that the release on parole of convicted former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra this morning is complies with the law and that Thaksin qualified for parole.

The department said that Thaksin was included on a list of convicts who qualified for parole as a special case, because they are over 70, seriously ill or are disabled and they have spent at least six months in prison or one-third of their sentence, whichever is longer.

It said that a parole committee, headed by the commandant of the prison and comprised of representatives of the Probation Department, the Office of the Narcotics Control Board, the Provincial Administration Department and the Royal Thai Police,…