On September 15, Ms. Paetongtarn Shinawatra - daughter of former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra - affirmed that her father still maintains a steadfast spirit, even more steadfast than the whole family, after nearly a week of adapting to life behind the scenes.
Ms. Khunying Potjaman Damapong - Mr. Thaksin's ex-wife and two daughters, Paetongtarn and Pinthongta Shinawatra Kunakornwong - visited Mr. Thaksin at Klong premature Prison on the morning of September 15, after he completed 5 days of medical quarantine.
The family was allowed to chat for about 30 minutes but had to go through a thick glass wall, making it impossible for Ms. Paetongtarn to hug her father. "I try to motivate him. But in reality, he is stronger than us, Ms. Paetongtarn shared.
The 76-year-old former Prime Minister appeared with short hair according to prison regulations. Outside the camp, a group of red-shirted supporters gathered and ate noodles together as a way to send him words of encouragement.
My father would like to thank everyone who cares and gives him spiritual strength, added Ms. Paetongtarn.
Despite their resilience, Mr. Thaksin's family did not hide their worries. He was originally suffering from high blood pressure, and was often stressed, causing his blood pressure to fluctuate erratically. But he encouraged us back: Be strong, said Ms. Paetongtarn.
She said that wherever the Shinawatra family appears, they receive encouragement from the people. My parents met again nearly two decades later but only separated through the glass. Our family has gone through many storms and is still supporting each other to overcome them, she said.
According to regulations, Mr. Thaksin has not been assigned a specific job in the prison because he has only been in prison for 5 days. However, Ms. Paetongtarn said that other prisoners saw him as a repository of life experience. In fact, Mr. Thaksin's new job could be teaching English because he has a lot of reading experience.
When asked if the family intended to ask for Mr. Thaksin to be sentenced outside the prison, Ms. Paetongtarn refused to comment, only saying let the lawyer answer.
During the cultural visit, Ms. Paetongtarn also reported the good news of the victory of Pheu Thai Party candidate in the supplementary election in District 7, Chiang Rai province. Mr. Thaksin only answered briefly: "Congratulations".
At the end of the visit, Ms. Paetongtarn affirmed that she would soon return to visit her father.
