Led by activists Pichit Chaimongkol and Nasser Yeema, representatives of the network lodged the petition at the Ministry of Justice headquarters, calling on Justice Minister Pol Lt Gen Rutthapon Naowarat to ensure that any decision on sentence suspension is based on a thorough and transparent legal review, reports the Bangkok Post.
The petition followed remarks by Pol Lt Gen Rutthapon, indicating that Thaksin could be considered eligible for sentence suspension under Department of Corrections regulations, with a formal review expected in May, when he would have served two-thirds of his one-year prison term.
The NSPRT, however, argued that eligibility should not be assessed solely on the length of time served. It pointed out that the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions issued a detention warrant for Thaksin upon his return to Thailand on Aug 22, 2023. Despite this, he began serving his sentence in prison on Sept 9, 2025.
The group alleged that coordinated assistance may have enabled Thaksin to avoid imprisonment earlier, raising questions about whether detention procedures were properly enforced. It also challenged previous claims that he was seriously ill and unable to care for himself, arguing that if such claims were inaccurate, they could constitute breaches of prison detention regulations.
According to the NSPRT, any misconduct while under a court detention warrant could affect a prisoner’s classification, potentially lowering their status and disqualifying them from sentence suspension under standard criteria. The group therefore urged the justice minister to clarify Thaksin’s prisoner classification upon his second admission and to confirm whether any alleged misconduct had been considered in the review process.
The network also noted that the National Anti-Corruption Commission is continuing inquiries into the enforcement of Thaksin’s prison sentence.
Meanwhile, Thaksin’s personal lawyer, Winyat Chatmontree, said after visiting his client that the former prime minister remained in good health and high spirits and was closely following political developments, particularly the general election scheduled for Feb 8.