20-2-2024 (BANGKOK) In a display of long-standing camaraderie, former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen is scheduled to visit former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra at his Bangkok residence on Wednesday. The visit is believed to be driven by personal concern for Thaksin’s health, further strengthening the bond between the two political figures.
Thaksin, who recently obtained official parole after serving half of a reduced one-year prison sentence, has faced persistent speculation about his health since his discharge from Police General Hospital on Sunday. The hospitalization, spanning six months, has been shrouded in secrecy, with limited information about Thaksin’s medical condition disclosed by corrections officials and doctors, adhering to patient confidentiality norms.
However, some details emerged during a meeting with members of the Pheu Thai Party, founded by Thaksin and currently led by his daughter Paetongtarn. A spokesperson for the party clarified that the neck brace worn by Thaksin in recent photos posted on social media is for cervical spondylosis, a degenerative spinal condition common among the elderly. Additionally, Thaksin is utilizing a sling for tendonitis, related to a frayed tendon repaired through surgery during his hospitalization.
According to reports, Paetongtarn informed the gathering that Thaksin’s recovery was impeded by the slow healing of the tendon, aggravated by limited opportunities for exercise. The former prime minister, weakened by three episodes of COVID-19, is also grappling with the lingering effects of “long Covid.”
Despite the health setbacks, Thaksin, at 74, is eager to regain his strength, with a particular focus on providing guidance to politicians, according to party spokesperson Danuporn Punnakanta.
