Thaksin Free to Travel, Expected to Fly to Dubai
Thaksin Free to Travel, Expected to Fly to Dubai
BANGKOK, June 10, 2026 — Former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra is expected to travel to Dubai on Friday after officially completing his sentence and being fully released from parole under a royal pardon, according to Thai authorities.
Thailand’s Department of Corrections confirmed on June 9 that Thaksin’s release process had been finalized in accordance with the Royal Decree on Pardons 2026. Officials said he had complied with all conditions imposed during his parole period and was no longer subject to supervision or criminal penalties.
Under the royal decree issued on June 3, Thaksin qualified for a pardon as a parolee over the age of 60 who had less than three years remaining on his sentence. Following approval by the relevant authorities, his electronic monitoring device was removed and he was issued an official certificate confirming the completion of his sentence.
The 76-year-old former premier is now free to travel abroad. Thai media reports indicate that he is expected to depart for Dubai later this week, although neither his return date nor the duration of his stay has been disclosed.
Thaksin returned to Thailand in 2023 after nearly 17 years in self-imposed exile. Upon his return, he began serving a prison sentence that was later reduced through a royal clemency process. He subsequently spent several months receiving medical treatment at the Police General Hospital before being granted parole.
The Department of Corrections emphasized that Thaksin’s release was carried out under the same legal criteria applied to all eligible inmates covered by the royal pardon decree and that all procedures were conducted in accordance with the law.
His planned trip has also fueled speculation about a possible meeting with his younger sister, former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra, who has lived overseas since leaving Thailand in 2017.
Despite holding no formal political office, Thaksin remains one of the most influential figures in Thai politics. Observers are expected to closely watch his activities abroad and any potential impact they may have on Thailand’s political landscape.
For now, attention is focused on his anticipated departure to Dubai, marking his first overseas trip since receiving full legal release under the royal pardon.
