25-8-2023 (BANGKOK) In a joint press conference held on Thursday, Mr. Sahakarn Phetnarin, the deputy permanent secretary for Thailand’s Ministry of Justice, and Mr. Nassathee Thongplad, commander of the Bangkok Remand Prison, addressed speculations surrounding the health and location of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. They emphasized that Thaksin was still receiving medical treatment at the Police General Hospital and would not be easily transferred to a private hospital.
Thaksin, who returned to Thailand after 15 years in self-imposed exile following his overthrow in a 2006 military coup, is currently facing an eight-year combined prison sentence. He was transferred from the prison hospital at the Bangkok Remand Prison to the Police General Hospital after experiencing chest pain and consistently high blood pressure.
Reports of his transfer led to suspicions that he might receive special treatment or be moved to the more comfortable Phraram 9 Hospital, which is partly owned by Thaksin’s family. However, Mr. Sahakarn dismissed these claims, stating that Thaksin was indeed at the Police Hospital and that sharing photos of inmates is prohibited by law.
According to Mr. Sahakarn, there is no justification for moving Thaksin to a private hospital because the medical staff at the Police General Hospital can adequately address his medical needs. He also noted that four officials from the Corrections Department were stationed outside Thaksin’s room to ensure his safety, and any incidents would result in accountability.
Thaksin has been diagnosed with several comorbidities, including a heart condition, lung adhesions, hypertension, and herniated discs. His health deteriorated due to stress and anxiety following his incarceration. Relatives will be allowed to visit him after the initial five days of hospitalization, with visiting hours from 11 am to 1 pm and 5 pm to 7 pm. Thaksin will not have access to telephones during his hospital stay, and only close relatives, diplomats, and international organization executives will be permitted to visit.
Ultimately, doctors will determine when Thaksin can return to prison. He will only be transferred if medical reports indicate that treatment at the Police Hospital is insufficient. Mr. Nassathee, the commander of the Bangkok Remand Prison, confirmed that the prison has been regularly updated on Thaksin’s condition, and 10 relatives have already been granted permission to visit him on August 28.
Mr. Soponrat Singhajaru, director of the Police Hospital, clarified that the medical team responsible for Thaksin’s care had not sought permission to transfer him to another hospital.
