Lese majeste appeal will not affect Thaksin’s May parole hearing: Lawyer

The former prime minister's lawyer said his health was better than during his early days in prison. Read more at straitstimes.com.

BANGKOK - The son of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra said on March 2 that his father is in good health, while Thaksin’s lawyer said an ongoing appeal in an Article 112 (lese-majeste) case would not affect Thaksin’s schedule to be released on parole in May.

Mr Panthongtae Shinawatra and lawyer Winyat Chatmontree spoke to reporters at 11.30 am after visiting Thaksin at Klong Prem Central Prison.

Mr Panthongtae and Mr Winyat visited Thaksin along with Mr Panthongtae’s wife, Ms Nattiya, and Thaksin’s brother-in-law, Mr Bannaphot Damapong.

It marked the 44th family visit to Thaksin, who has been detained at Klong Prem Central Prison for five months and 20 days. The corrections department has announced that Thaksin would be eligible for parole on May 11.

Mr Panthongtae told reporters that his father was in good health. He said he discussed general matters with Thaksin but did not talk about the scheduled parole release.

Mr Winyat said that, based on his conversation with Thaksin, Thaksin’s health was much better than during the first days of his imprisonment.