Thaksin Shinawatra, who began serving a year in Khlong Prem Central Prison last week, has been visited by members of his family and lawyer today, after completing a five-day mandatory quarantine.
His lawyer, Winyat Chartmontri, arrived at 8.30am, saying he was there to arrange and facilitate the visit by presenting the required documents.
The first group of visitors included Thaksin’s ex-wife, Khunying Potjaman na Pombejra, and his daughters, former prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Pinthongtha Kunakornwong (née Shinawatra).
Pol Lt-Col Chen Kanchanapat, deputy director-general and spokesman for the Corrections Department, said a separate room was provided, equipped with a glass partition and telephones for communication, to ensure that Thaksin does not come into contact with other inmates during his transfer to the visitation area.
He added that there is no limit on the number of relatives who can visit at one time and family members are allowed to meet him together. Prison staff are stationed inside the room to provide guidance and enforce the Corrections Department’s 2018 regulations on inmate visits and outside contact.
Chen also said that Thaksin remains in stable physical and mental health, is ready to meet his family today and appears to have come to terms with his situation. He continues to take prescribed medication for his chronic health conditions and spends most of his time reading and watching television to relieve stress.
