Welcome to the whimsical world of justice and intrigue, where former prime ministers come with more plot twists than your favorite soap opera. The latest episode? None other than Thaksin Shinawatra, a man whose life story could give any drama series a run for its money. And here’s the cliffhanger – Thaksin, the erstwhile leader with a penchant for grabbing headlines, is now a hot candidate for parole. The stage for this legal drama was set at an enthralling press briefing hosted within the steadfast walls of the Justice Ministry.
Picture this: Sitthi Sutivong, donning the dual hats of spokesman and DoC’s deputy director-general, steals the limelight explaining the tantalizing possibility of Thaksin’s medical escapades beyond the iron bars. Our protagonist, Thaksin, checks off all the boxes on the parole eligibility list. He’s crossed the venerable age of 70, he’s got a collection of illnesses, and, perhaps most plot-thickening, he’s a medium-grade prisoner – not quite the villainous overlord, but no boy scout either.
Let’s delve a little deeper, shall we? According to the rulebook – and there’s always a rulebook – the prison’s head honcho needs to put forward a parole plea on behalf of inmates like Thaksin, who aren’t exactly in a position to do so themselves. With all the punctuality of a monthly book club, these requests are typically put in. Yet, it seems Bangkok Remand Prison’s director hasn’t added Thaksin’s name to their list… yet. The suspense is palpable; the audience awaits with bated breath.
It’s not all bingo nights and walks in the park after parole, though. Should Thaksin find himself basking in the glory of freedom, he might just get to enjoy the latest in fashionable accessorizing – electronic monitoring. Sitthi further tantalized media at the briefing with whispers of a “sponsor” – a concept thrilling and ambiguous, someone with whom Thaksin could shack up post-incarceration.
Let’s switch scenes to our robust justice minister’s confidant, the erudite Somboon Muangklum, who, at a similar press spectacle, shed light on the investigative tizzy surrounding Thaksin’s purported malaise. Is he really bedridden in a hospital, or is it all smoke and mirrors? An emissary from the Ombudsman’s office played detective, meeting Thaksin on the 14th floor of the Police General Hospital’s illustrious tower – presumably not just to exchange pleasantries or share a cup of tea.
Drama aside, here’s the kicker: Thaksin, at the spry age of 74, hightailed it back to Thailand, finding himself in the loving embrace of the Police General Hospital since his grand return. Thanks to the DoC’s magnanimity, he’s enjoyed an extended stay, well past the usual cap of 120 days, due to his laundry list of ailments.
Now, let’s talk about comeback stories. After 15 years of self-imposed exile, Thaksin re-entered Thailand, promptly received a conviction, and then a royal pardon, reducing an eight-year invitation to the Big House down to a mere year. It’s enough to make your head spin, isn’t it? Stay tuned as we unravel more in the curious case of Thaksin Shinawatra’s path to parole – truly, justice mixed with a dash of theatrics.
Be First to Comment