Post by : Raman

Photo : Bloomberg

Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, recently sentenced to one year in prison, may be assigned a role as a language teacher during his incarceration, according to the Department of Corrections. The department is planning to assign inmates to tasks based on their skills and abilities, and Thaksin’s experience with languages could make him suitable for this role.

Pol Lt Col Shane Kanjanapach, Deputy Director-General and spokesperson for the Department of Corrections, provided updates on Thaksin’s current status in prison. He said Thaksin is undergoing a five-day quarantine period, a standard procedure for new inmates. After quarantine, officials will assign tasks to inmates that match their skills, experience, and interests. Teaching languages is one possibility being considered for Thaksin, allowing him to contribute to prison programs and support the rehabilitation of other inmates.

Thaksin’s health, both physical and mental, is reportedly normal. During quarantine, he follows a simple routine, eating two boiled eggs and drinking coffee every morning, and has been sleeping well. He has not requested any special privileges and is currently housed in a quarantine room with other elderly inmates. This arrangement has been described as appropriate for his age and status.

Regarding visitations, the department has not yet allowed anyone to visit Thaksin, including his lawyers. Only a select list of up to 10 people chosen by Thaksin, such as close family members including his wife and children, will be permitted to visit. This policy aligns with standard prison regulations and ensures order and security within the facility.

The potential assignment of Thaksin as a language teacher is part of a larger effort by the Department of Corrections to engage inmates in meaningful activities. Inmates may be given responsibilities in education, vocational training, and other skill-building programs. Such initiatives aim to provide inmates with productive ways to spend their time, learn new skills, and contribute to the prison community. Teaching languages could also help fellow inmates improve their literacy, communication abilities, and confidence, providing benefits beyond the prison walls.

Thaksin Shinawatra’s case has drawn significant attention due to his political career and influence in Thailand. Serving a prison sentence after holding the country’s highest political office is a rare situation, and how the Department of Corrections manages his incarceration is being closely watched by both the public and the media.

Thaksin Shinawatra’s possible role as a language teacher reflects the Department of Corrections’ approach to assign meaningful tasks to inmates based on their abilities. While he serves his sentence, his involvement in educational activities could offer positive contributions to fellow prisoners and help maintain structure within the prison. His health and wellbeing remain stable, and visitation rights are limited to a small circle of family members as per standard regulations.

Thaksin’s prison journey will be closely followed, both in Thailand and internationally, as officials balance security, rehabilitation, and public interest in managing the incarceration of a former prime minister.

Thaksin Shinawatra, Thai Prime Minister, Thailand Politics, Prison Assignment, Language Teacher