PUBLISHED : 3 May 2026 at 06:05
Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra will not take any formal advisory role after his expected parole from prison, though he remains a key ideological influence within Pheu Thai, says leader Julapun Amornvivat.
Mr Julapun, who is also Labour Minister, said the party had made no arrangements in anticipation of Thaksin’s release and welcomed the development as a personal family matter. He said Thaksin, now elderly, would be able to spend time with his family following the completion of the parole process.
Thaksin, 76, is being held at Klong Prem Central Prison in Bangkok and is scheduled to be released on parole on May 11, after which he will remain under probation until September.
Mr Julapun described Thaksin as the “spirit” of the party’s movement since the Thai Rak Thai era, but said this does not equate to organisational control.
“Pheu Thai operates as a political institution independent of any individual. Our day-to-day operations are determined by the party’s executive committee, not by somebody,” he said.
Responding to speculation over whether Thaksin could re-enter the party structure, Mr Julapun said no such move is planned.
However, he acknowledged Thaksin’s experience, or advice on economic and political matters, could still be shared informally.