23-8-2023 (BANGKOK) Authorities have refuted claims that former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra was admitted to a VIP room at Police General Hospital with superior amenities. Dr. Sophonrat Singhajaru, the hospital’s chief physician, revealed that they had to provide two electric fans to improve the air-conditioning in Thaksin’s room.
Contrary to reports and online images suggesting a luxurious suite on the 14th floor of the state hospital, Dr. Sophonrat denied such conditions. He explained that the room where Thaksin is staying is adjacent to a glass wall, making it quite hot.
Thaksin, 74, returned to Thailand after more than 15 years in self-exile abroad. He was swiftly sentenced to eight years in prison and taken to Bangkok Remand Centre. However, due to various ailments, he was placed in the medical ward. When his condition worsened, he was urgently referred to Police General Hospital, which has an agreement with the Department of Corrections to admit seriously ill patients in custody.
Thaksin arrived at the hospital in a Department of Corrections vehicle, suffering from acute chest pain, low blood oxygen, and very high blood pressure. He was taken to the 14th floor of the Maha Bhumibol Rachanusorn 88 Phansa Building, which had previously been reserved for Covid-19 patients.
Dr. Sophonrat also refuted reports that another patient had been discharged to accommodate Thaksin. Thaksin was receiving treatment at the hospital, with a team of six doctors, including specialists in heart and lung disease and Covid-19, attending to him.
Doctors reviewed Thaksin’s medical records from abroad, confirming that he had been undergoing regular treatment for several conditions. Although he was feeling slightly better on Wednesday morning, he still had high blood pressure and required oxygen. Visitors were banned from seeing him, and the duration of his hospital stay was uncertain.
Sahakarn Phetnarin, deputy permanent secretary for the Ministry of Justice, clarified that if Thaksin were discharged from Police General Hospital, he would not be referred to any private hospital, dispelling unconfirmed reports of him being taken to Praram 9 Hospital, in which the Shinawatra family are major shareholders.
