Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra was visited by his three children and their families at Klongprem Central Prison in Bangkok on Thursday.
Thaksin’s youngest daughter Paetongtarn later posted a family picture taken at the event and expressed gratitude to prison authorities.
The visit was the 20th time Thaksin’s family has been allowed to meet him since he was sent to jail on Sept 9.
Prison authorities nationwide have designated this period as a special close-contact visitating window for the New Year festival, allowing families to sit together, eat together and interact without glass partitions or telephone communication.
Ms Paetongtarn, also a former prime minister, was accompanied by her husband Pidok Sooksawas, sister Pintongta Shinawatra Kunakornwong, brother Panthongtae Shinawatra and his wife, Natthiya Puangkham. Thaksin’s lawyer, Winyat Chatmontree, was also present.
A mini-market was set up where visitors could buy food and crafts made by inmates. “For a moment, I felt like I had gone back to being Ms Paetongtarn, walking and holding my father’s hand with my siblings, walking in the market like when we were young,” she wrote.
“For almost two hours it felt like we were really back together.
“To those who are concerned about dad, he is doing well, aware of your love and care, and sends his regards to everyone,” she added.
