Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra can ask for a royal pardon on the first day of his imprisonment, acting Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam said on Thursday.
"All inmates have the right to seek a royal pardon on the first day of imprisonment because this right is available during the time of punishment," said Mr Wissanu.
"If the pardon is not granted after the petition is lodged, it cannot be repeated within the following two years," Mr Wissanu said.
Upon Thaksin's return, he will go to court to receive an imprisonment order for his three cases, which have been finalised, resulting in a combined jail term of 10 years, said Mr Wissanu.
Some of the cases have passed their statutes of limitations, and others have not yet reached a court, including the case concerning Thaksin’s escape from the country.
Corrections officials are already prepared to receive the former prime minister, as he had earlier announced his return for his birthday, Mr Wissanu said. Thaksin turned 74 on Wednesday and has lived in self-imposed exile for 15 years.
Thaksin will be treated differently from general inmates due to his age, being older than 60 years.
Although there are special rooms at prisons, their use depends on the Corrections Department, and Mr Wissanu said he does not believe that Thaksin could be detained outside of prison.
“He will go to jail however,” Mr Wissanu confirmed. Family members can receive him at Don Mueang airport and visit him at prison right away, he added.
