BANGKOK - Imagine being stripped of wealth and power, now confined within the grim walls of Bangkok's maximum security prison. At 76, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra finds himself in an environment that can only be described as daunting.

Three thin blankets, an open bathing area, bland food, and the constant threat of violence—these are the harsh realities Thaksin faces after being sentenced to a year in jail for corruption.

From Billionaire to Prisoner: A Swift Downfall

Once one of Thailand's most influential figures, Thaksin’s political career collapsed when the Supreme Court ruled that his prior hospital stay instead of serving time was unjustified. His original eight-year sentence was reduced to just one year upon his return to Thailand from self-imposed exile in August 2023, and he was released on parole in February 2024, after merely six months of incarceration—mostly spent in a hospital’s VIP wing.

The Harsh Environment of Klong Prem

Now at Klong Prem prison, Thaksin's new life is a stark contrast to his prior lavish existence. The facility, which is home to around 6,500 inmates, is notorious not just for housing political figures but also infamous criminals like Viktor Bout, the so-called "merchant of death."

Activist Somyot Pruksakasemsuk, who served over seven years at Klong Prem, describes it as a place that can induce despair: "When I first got inside, all I did was cry. The environment was very tense. It is not a friendly place."

A Glimpse Inside: Life as an Inmate

The prison is divided into multiple zones, which include areas for different sentence lengths and high-risk inmates. Thaksin is expected to share space with elderly political prisoners rather than violent offenders. Depending on his accommodations, he might find himself crammed with up to 25 others in a small room.

Sleeping arrangements are anything but comfortable. Inmates have three blankets: one for making a mattress, another for a pillow, and a third for warmth. Food is bland, and bathing presents a danger, as shower time can escalate into fights—something Somyot described as "a risky affair."

Security Concerns for the Ex-PM

Authorities are particularly vigilant about Thaksin’s safety due to his controversial past and the prospect of clashes with other inmates, especially those affected by his policies during his premiership. Somyot notes that Thaksin might attract followers within the prison, forming a protective inner circle, colloquially known as a “somdet” or “big man.”

What Lies Ahead for Thaksin?

While the length of Thaksin's stay remains uncertain, he could potentially serve his sentence under house arrest, a privilege that many inmates do not enjoy. Yet this degradation from a position of immense power to a life of confinement is a harsh pill to swallow.

As Somyot encapsulates, "You lost your freedom, comfort, and your life as a political figure. You have to come to terms with these losses." The once-great leader now faces a bleak reality, a far cry from his life of opulence.