The reason Thailand suggested not calling Mr. Thaksin a prisoner

Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra (Photo: Reuters).

In a statement on January 16, the Thai Department of Corrections suggested that people should not call Mr. Thaksin a prisoner to facilitate his reintegration into society. The agency further explained that they only call people serving sentences as prisoners when they are serving their sentences in prison.

The word “prisoner” should not be used outside of prison because it can affect their reintegration into society and violate their human rights. Labeling them as “prisoner” can follow them for life.

Mr Thaksin, 74, has also lived in exile since 2008 after being ousted and facing a series of charges. He returned to the country last August and was immediately taken to the Supreme Court.

The court sentenced Mr Thaksin to eight years in prison on three corruption charges. King Maha Vajiralongkorn later commuted his sentence to one year.

However, Mr. Thaksin had to be hospitalized on the first night of his sentence. To date, he is still serving his sentence outside prison.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/the-gioi/ly-do-thai-lan-de-nghi-khong-goi-ong-thaksin-la-tu-nhan-20240117163705945.htm