Convicted former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra is expected to be released this Sunday, as he is on the latest list of 930 prisoners granted parole, according to Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong today.

The minister said he has already approved the list of prisoners who qualify for parole.

“The Corrections Department proposed a list of convicts for me to approve. Of the 945 prisoners named, 930 met the criteria, which include grave illness, being handicapped or being over 70,” he said.

Thaksin is 74 and suffers from a ‘serious illness’, which has enabled him to stay in the Police General Hospital for many months.  After being convicted on corruption charges in August last year, he spent only a few hours in prison before being transferred to the hospital.

Thaksin’s youngest daughter, Paetongtarn, who is the leader of the ruling Pheu Thai party, said earlier that the family has prepared the Chansongla residence for Thaksin after his release.