The Corrections Department has clarified that jailed ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra volunteered to perform public service by supervising sewage drainage, contrary to earlier reports that the department had assigned him to the task.
Thaksin’s daughter, former PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra, told reporters yesterday after visiting her father at Klong Prem Central Prison that she had been informed he would be assigned to do the job outside the prison.
However, the department's deputy spokeswoman, Kanokwan Jiewchueaphan, stated that the initiative came entirely from Thaksin himself, and had neither been approved nor scheduled.
“Thaksin expressed his willingness to contribute to public work for the benefit of the department,” Kanokwan said.
Despite his offer, questions remain as to whether Thaksin meets the eligibility requirements under prison regulations.
According to the rules, an inmate must; have a prison sentence of no more than three years, already served at least one-third of their sentence, be a first-time offender with good behavior, and be evaluated based on the nature and severity of their offense.
Thaksin has served less than one month of his one-year sentence for corruption and abuse of power.
Kanokwan explained that if an inmate meets all the required conditions, the prison may propose their name to an internal committee.
If approved, the case would then be submitted to the central Department of Corrections committee for final consideration.
Paetongtarn yesterday told reporters that her father is in good health and stable condition.
She also mentioned that his grandchildren may be able to connect with him via video call in the near future.
