13-12-2023 (BANGKOK) In a move that has sparked controversy, the Department of Corrections (DOC) has introduced a new regulation allowing for the detention of inmates outside prison, raising concerns about its potential implications for convicted former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.
On Thursday, Sahakarn Phetnarin, Deputy Permanent Secretary for Justice and Acting Director-General of the DOC, announced the new regulation and communicated the details to all provincial governors.
The focus is now on whether this regulation could benefit Thaksin, who recently received an eight-year sentence in three cases and was promptly transferred to a police hospital.
The newly issued regulation, effective from Tuesday, outlines that prisoners eligible for external detention must meet specific requirements set by the DOC and be categorized by a panel established by the department. Detention venues may include houses or buildings with registered addresses.
Sahakarn, on Tuesday, explained that the regulation aims to categorize inmates and identify those suitable for external detention, such as individuals in need of rehabilitation and career training.
He stated, “The Department of Corrections has limited resources. Rehabilitating prisoners outside prisons may give them optimal benefits. As for prisoners who are sick, it does not do any good to keep them in prison given the conditions there. It would be better for them if they are detained outside and looked after by their families.”
Sahakarn emphasized that the regulation also intends to assist inmates in preparing for life after release, particularly those facing long sentences and may find reintegration into society challenging.
Responding to questions about the timing of the new regulation and suspicions of benefiting Thaksin, Sahakarn mentioned that it was long overdue since the Corrections Act was enacted in 2017. He acknowledged delays in enforcing the law and stressed that the new rule aligns with international practices.
Prisons nationwide began screening inmates meeting the criteria for external detention on Tuesday, and the lists of eligible names will be sent to the department for consideration.
Thaksin, 74, returned to Thailand on Aug 22 after 15 years of self-imposed exile. However, he was transferred from Bangkok Remand Prison to the Police General Hospital on the same night for health reasons and has remained there since.
According to the DOC, Thaksin is not the only convict granted permission for medical treatment outside prison for an extended period. Since Oct 1 of last year, 149 inmates received medical treatment outside prison; among them, 115 were outside for more than 30 days, 30 stayed for more than 60 days, and four were allowed to stay outside for over 120 days.
Protesters, led by Pichit Chaimongkol, leader of the Network of Students and People Reforming Thailand, gathered outside Government House, urging Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin to order Thaksin’s return to prison. They accused the DOC of issuing the new regulation to benefit Thaksin.
Tomorrow, the House committee on police affairs will convene to investigate a complaint regarding Thaksin’s “VIP medical treatment” outside prison. Chaichana Dechochai, a Democrat Party MP and committee chair, will summon officials to provide statements on the matter.
