24-12-2023 (BANGKOK) Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin defended the Department of Corrections and the Police General Hospital, asserting that they adhered to regulations by allowing convicted former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to continue his treatment at the hospital. Responding to criticism of the decision, the PM emphasized that both institutions followed proper procedures for handling an ailing inmate.
Thaksin was admitted to the Police General Hospital on August 22, shortly after returning from self-imposed exile overseas. The controversy arose when, on Friday, the Department of Corrections permitted him to extend his stay at the hospital, where he had been transferred to the premium ward.
PM Srettha dismissed reports suggesting that a meeting with Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong on Friday was related to Thaksin’s case. He clarified that the discussion focused on other issues, such as the pork smuggling problem and the Stark Corp scandal, and denied inquiring about the Thaksin case.
“I believe both the department and the hospital have their own regulations to follow when it comes to handling a sick inmate, and they do just as they are required to do. I am confident they have complied with the regulations,” stated PM Srettha.
Addressing concerns about a new regulation allowing prisoners to serve their remaining jail term outside prison, the PM asserted that the regulation was proposed by the Prayut Chan-o-cha administration in 2017. The Department of Corrections claims it is simply implementing an existing law and denies any suspicious timing.
In response to Deputy Prime Minister Somsak Thepsutin’s warning of possible legal action, Chaichana Detdacho, a Democrat Party MP and chairman of the House committee on police affairs, affirmed the committee’s plan to visit Thaksin on January 12. The committee seeks to determine if Thaksin is genuinely at the hospital and requires an extended stay.
“I am not afraid of a lawsuit threat as I believe I am working in search of the truth most people are eager to know — if Thaksin is there at the hospital and seriously ill as claimed,” said Mr. Chaichana. The committee is seeking written permission from the Department of Corrections for the visit, and if denied, they intend to disclose the reason to the public.
Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn, a Move Forward Party (MFP) list-MP, urged a clear and uniform application of regulations for inmates receiving treatment outside prison. He emphasized the need for fairness and justice, stating, “Thaksin deserves justice, not privileges.”
Former Democrat MP Thepthai Senpong highlighted the use of legal threats to silence Thaksin’s critics and expressed concern about the apparent differentiation in treatment. Vorachai Hema, an adviser to Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, suggested that Thaksin’s critics held grudges against him. As scrutiny intensifies, the debate over Thaksin’s hospital stay continues to raise questions about transparency and fairness.
