Bangkok: The Shinawatra family gathered for a heartfelt reunion at Klong Prem Central Prison, celebrating "Happy Family Day 69," a special event coinciding with Children's Day 2026. The family, including seven grandchildren, visited former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who is currently incarcerated in the senior citizen's ward at the facility.
According to Thai News Agency, the event, held on January 11-12, is part of the prison's initiative to foster family bonding and rehabilitation for inmates. The program allows children and grandchildren to visit their incarcerated relatives, offering them a chance to interact closely and strengthen familial ties. The Shinawatra family, which includes Thaksin's children and grandchildren, participated in the event, bringing with them a sense of warmth and solidarity.
The Shinawatra family's arrival at the prison was marked by a convoy of private vehicles. Ms. Paetongtarn Shinawatra, or Ing, Thaksin's daughter and former Prime Minister, led the group, accompanied by her daughters. Ms. Pintongta Kunakornwong and Mr. Panthongtae Shinawatra followed with their children, each dressed in casual attire, exuding an aura of happiness as they entered the prison grounds alongside Mr. Winyat Chatmontri, Thaksin's lawyer.
A gathering of Red Shirt supporters showed their unwavering support outside the prison, preparing for a rally later in the day. The "Happy Family Day for Children 2026" event underscores the prison's belief in the potential for inmate reform through family support and societal reintegration. By facilitating intimate family interactions, the program aims to motivate inmates to improve their behavior and strengthen family bonds.
The event featured two daily visitation sessions, each lasting two hours, and allowed approximately 250 inmates to receive visits. Eligibility criteria ensured that children under 15, related to the inmates as biological children or grandchildren, could participate. Relatives were required to present documentation to verify their relationships, ensuring a safe and organized visitation process.
Following the visit, Ms. Paetongtarn shared a family photograph with the media, capturing the joyful reunion. The image featured Thaksin in a blue prison uniform, surrounded by his smiling family. As a token of the visit, Thithar Sukhsawat, Paetongtarn's eldest daughter, proudly displayed a colorful birthday card gifted by her grandfather, further highlighting the day's emotional significance.
Ms. Paetongtarn expressed gratitude for the opportunity to celebrate her granddaughter's birthday with Thaksin. The family enjoyed a cake made at the prison's vocational training center, symbolizing the hope and happiness that family reunions bring, even in the most challenging circumstances.