21-9-2023 (BANGKOK) Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong addressed the recent controversy surrounding the extended hospital stay of Thaksin Shinawatra, stating that the stays of convicts can be prolonged based on the judgement of relevant authorities and doctors. This response comes after reports emerged that the Department of Corrections allowed Thaksin to remain at Police General Hospital for an extended period of time, exceeding 30 days. Thaksin was transferred to the hospital from Bangkok Remand Prison immediately after his return to the country on August 22.
According to the justice minister, the director-general of the Department of Corrections possesses the authority to extend an inmate’s hospital stay based on recommendations from medical professionals. Tawee highlighted that many other convicts have received treatment outside prison for durations longer than 30 days, emphasizing that Thaksin’s case is not an isolated incident.
To extend a hospital stay beyond 60 days, approval from the permanent secretary for justice is required, while a period surpassing 120 days necessitates the backing of the justice minister. These approvals primarily hinge on the recommendations provided by relevant doctors, explained Tawee.
Regarding Thaksin’s recent operation, the minister admitted his lack of knowledge about the reasons behind it or the convict’s current condition since he had not discussed the matter with the corrections director-general.
Meanwhile, Pol Lt Gen Dr Sophonrat Singhajaru, the chief physician at Police General Hospital, disclosed on Tuesday that Thaksin underwent surgery the previous week for undisclosed reasons, citing patient confidentiality.
Thaksin, who is known to suffer from high blood pressure, heart and respiratory problems, and other age-related ailments, has been the subject of activists’ demands for an update on his health. They contend that nearly a month has passed since his admission to the hospital, which occurred a mere 13 hours after he entered prison to serve a one-year sentence.
In addition, the Department of Corrections announced on Monday that Thaksin would have to complete a minimum of six months in prison, extending until late February, before being eligible to apply for parole.
After spending 15 years in self-exile, the 74-year-old Thaksin returned to Thailand on the morning of August 22. During his absence, he faced multiple convictions, fresh charges, and an eight-year prison sentence handed down by the Supreme Court on the same day as his arrival. However, his sentence was subsequently reduced to one year by His Majesty the King.
