On December 2, former Commerce Minister Boonsong Teriyapirom, sentenced to 48 years in prison for his role in the rice pledging scheme during Yingluck Shinawatra’s administration, was granted temporary release under a parole arrangement by the Ratchathan Correctional Hospital.
Sahakarn Petnarin, Director-General of the Department of Corrections, stated that the parole decision followed standard criteria. Inmates are eligible for parole after serving at least two-thirds of their sentence, and Boonsong met this requirement. The release process is managed by the correctional facility housing the inmate, without needing further court approval, but coordination with the Department of Probation is required for post-release supervision.
Boonsong’s release conditions include standard restrictions such as prohibitions on leaving designated areas, traveling abroad, or engaging in political activities. The requirement for electronic monitoring (EM) is determined based on the individual’s health and whether wearing the device could pose additional medical risks.
Following his release, Boonsong was assisted by relatives, who arrived in a silver Toyota Corolla Cross to escort him from the correctional facility where he had been receiving medical care.
This marks a significant development in the case of one of Thailand’s most high-profile political corruption scandals. Boonsong remains under strict supervision, reflecting ongoing public and legal scrutiny.