Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra will be required to wear an electronic monitoring (EM) bracelet during his parole period until Sept 9, after a Justice Ministry subcommittee reaffirmed on Sunday there were no grounds to revise the order.
The decision came a day before Thaksin's scheduled release on parole from Klong Prem Central Prison on Monday. He was among 859 inmates approved for general parole under Department of Corrections regulations.
Under parole conditions, Thaksin must wear the EM device at all times until the end of his sentence. Officials from Bangkok Probation Office 7 were to install the bracelet at the prison on Sunday morning and explain the terms of use.
Thaksin is also required to report to Bangkok Probation Office 1 within three days of his release, as his residence, Ban Chan Song La in Bang Phlat district, falls within its jurisdiction. Monthly reporting is expected throughout the parole period.
The reports said temporary removal of the EM device could be permitted for medical procedures such as MRI scans if a medical certificate confirms the device interferes with treatment.
Permanent removal would only be considered in severe health cases and would require reconsideration by the subcommittee.
The parole terms impose no specific political restrictions, but Thaksin remains subject to standard conditions, including regular reporting, restrictions on leaving the province without permission and a ban on overseas travel as he remains legally classified as a prisoner on parole.
Prison authorities said Thaksin would begin release procedures at 7am today before leaving the medical ward for the prison gate around 7.45am and joining the morning flag-raising ceremony at 8am.
About 10 members of the Shinawatra family are expected to greet him, while large crowds of red-shirt supporters and media are anticipated outside.
More than 500 police, prison officials and undercover personnel would be deployed to maintain order outside the prison.
