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The Department of Corrections has confirmed that former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra is legally eligible to submit a second petition for a royal pardon, as his initial request in 2023 was not rejected.
Pol Lt Col Prawut Wongsinil, director-general of the Department of Corrections, said on Friday that thatThaksin can file a second royal pardon petition in accordance with the law. He explained that if the first request had been rejected, the petitioner would be required to wait two years before reapplying.
“In Thaksin’s case, the first petition was not rejected, so he is eligible to file a second request for a royal pardon without having to wait for the two-year period”, said the department chief, adding that other legal conditions would still need to be considered.
On Thursday, Justice Minister Pol Lt Gen Rutthapon Naowarat said the ministry has set up a panel to review convicted former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s petition for a royal pardon.
Thaksin’s lawyer, Winyat Chatmontree, confirmed early this week that his client had submitted the petition and maintained that it was a right granted to all inmates serving final sentences.
On Friday, Po l Lt Gen Rutthapon said he would review reports from the ministry’s permanent secretary when asked by reporters about the progress of the ministry’s committee deliberations on Thaksin’s petition.
He added discussions had already been held on Thursday. However, he had not yet received the panel’s findings.
The newly-appointed justice minister gave his remarks after attending a merit-making ceremony at the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) marking its 23rd anniversary.
Permanent secretary for the ministry Phongsawat Neelayothin, who also attended the ceremony, said the committee was still deliberating.
When asked whether Thaksin is legally entitled to file a second petition since his previous request was made in 2023, she said the matter was being reviewed strictly in line with the Criminal Procedure Code.
“If we look at the timeline, it has been more than two years, so yes, it is possible,” said Ms Phongsawat. She added that other details must also be considered.
She said the committee was expected to conclude its review within three days. Once completed, the findings would be submitted to the justice minister, who would then decide whether to forward the matter to the Secretariat of the Cabinet.
Thaksin, 76, was sent back to prison on Sept 9, 2025, on the order of the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions, which ruled that the time he spent in the Police General Hospital did not count as part of his incarceration.
The court ordered the billionaire to serve one year in prison, in line with the commuted term of his original sentence.
On Thursday, former prime minister and Pheu Thai Party leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra, along with her sister, Pintongta Kunakornwong, visited Thaksin at Klongprem Central Prison in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district.
According to Ms Paetongtarn, her father had some neck issues, but he appeared fine overall.
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