30-8-2023 (BANGKOK) Winyat Chartmontree, the lawyer representing Thaksin Shinawatra, has begun the process of gathering all necessary documents to seek a royal pardon on behalf of the former prime minister. However, no specific date has been scheduled for the submission of the request. Typically, inmates who have served one-third of their sentence or have been imprisoned for a minimum of eight years are eligible to apply for a royal pardon.
Thaksin, aged 74, recently returned to Thailand after spending 15 years in self-exile. On August 22nd, he was sent to a designated quarantine area within the Bangkok Remand Prison following an eight-year prison sentence handed down by the Supreme Court.
Within a span of 13 hours, Thaksin was transferred to the Police General Hospital after experiencing chest pain, hypertension, and low blood oxygen saturation. His deteriorating health prompted concerns among his family and supporters.
Thaksin’s youngest daughter, Paetongtarn, paid visits to her father on Monday afternoon and Tuesday morning. She expressed her greatest worry about his heart condition and shared that he appeared exhausted but was still able to communicate with her.
“My primary concern is his heart. He also has a pre-existing lung condition, but that is an old issue and should not pose any acute problems. His heart is what worries me the most,” stated Ms. Paetongtarn during a press conference at the Pheu Thai Party headquarters.
Ms. Paetongtarn also revealed that Thaksin had previously contracted Covid-19 before specific medication was available for the illness. He had spent nine days in an intensive care unit and remained hospitalized for a month. Although there were lingering effects on his lungs, she emphasized that his determination and morale remained strong.
Regarding Thaksin’s current medical care, Ms. Paetongtarn confirmed that he would continue to receive treatment at the Police General Hospital, with no immediate plans to transfer him to a private facility.
When asked about the anticipated duration of Thaksin’s hospitalization, Ms. Paetongtarn explained that she had sought answers from the doctors but, due to multiple factors, no definitive timeline could be provided yet.
Addressing rumors about Thaksin being accommodated in a VIP room at the Police General Hospital, Ms. Paetongtarn denied the claims and clarified that the room overlooked the Royal Thai Police Office.
In regards to the possibility of seeking a royal pardon, Ms. Paetongtarn stated that her father would make the decision himself, and the family would support his choice.
The Department of Corrections had previously reported that Thaksin was suffering from four critical ailments, including heart disease, lung disease, high blood pressure, and a herniated lumbar disc.
