BANGKOK, Thailand — Thai corrections officials are considering assigning former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, currently serving a prison sentence, to teach English to fellow inmates due to his age, according to official statements.
Police Lieutenant Colonel Prawut Wongseenin of the Department of Corrections confirmed that Thaksin’s age makes him unsuitable for physical labor, a standard assignment for many prisoners. “At his age, it’s more appropriate to assign him an educational task rather than outdoor or strenuous work,” Prawut said.
Background and Correctional Policy
Thaksin Shinawatra, 76, returned to Thailand last year after years of self-imposed exile and began serving an eight-year sentence for corruption-related convictions. His sentence was later reduced to one year following a royal pardon. The possibility of a second royal pardon is currently under review, though both the current and former justice ministers have expressed opposition to further leniency. Officials have stated that any decision on the pardon will proceed according to established legal procedures.
Prison policy generally requires that inmates serve a specific period before being considered for external work programs. “Inmates must serve a specific period before being eligible for duties outside the prison grounds,” Prawut explained. For prisoners over 70, eligibility to apply for sentence suspension comes after serving one-third of their term or at least six months, whichever is longer. All applications are reviewed monthly and follow the same process, regardless of an inmate’s background, according to a Department of Corrections source.
Family Visits and Inmate Well-being
Thaksin’s family has remained active in supporting him during his incarceration. His daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, recently suggested he might oversee a drain-cleaning initiative, but corrections officials clarified that he has not yet served enough time to qualify for such external assignments. Thaksin’s other daughter, Pintongta Shinawatra Kunakornwong, has also visited him at the correctional facility, accompanied by family members.
Officials report that Thaksin is in good spirits after completing his first month in prison, with regular family visits aiding his adjustment. The Department of Corrections has emphasized that any work assignment for Thaksin, including the potential English teaching role, will comply with established regulations and be determined based on his health and eligibility.
Broader Implications
The consideration of an educational role for Thaksin Shinawatra reflects ongoing efforts by Thai authorities to align inmate work assignments with age and health factors. The case continues to draw public and political attention, given Thaksin’s prominent status and the ongoing review of his pardon application. Officials maintain that all procedures will be handled according to the law, underscoring the government’s commitment to transparency and equal treatment within the correctional system.
