The intricate web of political drama continues to swirl around former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Recently, Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong declared that the Department of Corrections (DoC) lacks the authority to demand CCTV footage from the Police General Hospital, where Thaksin was previously hospitalized. This statement followed a fiery dispute between the DoC’s director-general and Seri Ruam Thai Party leader Pol Gen Sereepisuth Temeeyaves concerning whether Thaksin received preferential treatment during his time on the hospital’s elite 14th floor.
Pol Col Tawee clarified that the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) is currently investigating the matter. He detailed the protocol for determining the conditions of detention, specifying that the court could issue orders for confinement in one of three places: a prison, a hospital, or another approved facility. The Justice Minister elaborated that “other places of confinement” might include any secure location provided by a security agency, a measure necessitated by the chronic overcrowding in prisons.
As to the special treatment allegations, Pol Col Tawee assured that the DoC has supplied relevant information to all investigating bodies. He pointed out that upon Thaksin’s return to Thailand in August of the previous year, the government led by former premier Srettha Thavisin had yet to take office. When queried about the availability of CCTV footage to the NACC, he responded that it was a matter for the Police General Hospital to address, as the footage fell under their jurisdiction.
“While inmates in alternative confinement places remain under DoC supervision, the Justice Ministry has no power to install CCTV cameras in official buildings outside its domain,” he remarked, addressing the claims of a lack of footage.
Pol Gen Sereepisuth has made bold assertions, alleging that he visited Thaksin twice during his hospitalization and questioning the authenticity of Thaksin’s medical reports. Pol Col Tawee expressed the ministry’s willingness to consider Pol Gen Sereepisuth’s perspective.
Dr. Sompop Sangkutkaew, deputy DoC director-general and department spokesman, emphasized that Thaksin was under constant surveillance by DoC officers during his hospital stay. This security detail included a rotating roster of approximately 100 officers. Addressing the contentious remarks by Pol Gen Sereepisuth, the spokesman indicated that the DoC has not yet decided whether to pursue legal action against him, especially since Pol Gen Sereepisuth’s name was conspicuously absent from the official visitor list.
In a related development, former Democrat MP Watchara Phetthong submitted a letter to DoC director-general Sahakarn Petchnarin. The letter requested a comprehensive list of officers assigned to oversee Thaksin at the Bangkok Remand Prison, including performance reports and disbursement records of allowances from August 23, 2023, to February 18. This request adds another layer to the already complex saga surrounding Thaksin’s detention and alleged special treatment.
The entire episode has captivated the nation, with every twist and turn offering new fuel for public debate. Whether this investigation will unearth any actionable misdeeds or simply add to the noise remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Thaksin Shinawatra’s influence on Thai politics continues to loom large, and the quest for justice, in all its manifestations, threads through every development.
It’s baffling how the DoC doesn’t have access to CCTV footage. Isn’t that a basic requirement in any probe?
Maybe it’s not about bureaucracy but a deliberate move to protect certain interests.
Exactly. The whole thing reeks of political maneuvering.
Certainly looks that way. It’s infuriating how justice gets twisted for the powerful.
Why should Thaksin get any different treatment than any other inmate? It’s a sheer disgrace!
Because like it or not, he’s a former PM and that carries a different set of concerns, rightly or wrongly.
That’s no excuse! The law is supposed to be blind, isn’t it?
True in theory, but in practice, high-profile figures often get special treatment.
The rotating roster of 100 officers? Seems like overkill. What a waste of resources!
They have to ensure his safety. It’s not just about him; it’s also about preventing chaos.
No visitor list with Pol Gen Sereepisuth’s name? Who’s lying? Him or the system?
I think everyone’s playing their own game here. Can’t trust either side fully.
Is anyone else curious why Thaksin’s medical condition allowed him hospital time but not enough to be listed officially?
I think it’s about maintaining plausible deniability. This whole affair is shady.
It’s just a cover-up. They’re all in on it.
Exactly. This whole thing feels very orchestrated.
Why investigate at all if the NACC can’t get basic evidence like CCTV? It’s just theatrics.
Thaksin hasn’t lost his charm. Even when he’s supposedly down, he’s still stirring the pot.
Charm or manipulation? Let’s not romanticize what’s likely abuse of power.
With overcrowded prisons, there is no way Thaksin should get a special place. We already have enough disparities in our justice system.
You nailed it, Karen. But sadly, this is more norm than exception around here.
Think about it: Is the DoC really going to risk anything without solid evidence? They know what they’re doing.
That implies they might have something to hide too. It’s all connected.
Could be, but what’s the endgame? They can’t keep this under wraps forever.
Corruption has been seeping through every part of our system. This is just another example of that.
I don’t get why this is so controversial. Every country deals with political inmates differently.
Yes, but the issue here is transparency and the rule of law, which seem to be blatantly ignored.
The DoC sounds like they’re just muddling through this and hoping the chaos dies down eventually.
I doubt it will. This is too high-profile to just evaporate.
There’s no way Thaksin isn’t being used as a political pawn. Everyone has an agenda.
Totally! They’re leveraging his case to push their own narratives.
The depth of this saga is insane. From visitor lists to medical reports—it’s a circus!
We need transparency. If Pol Gen Sereepisuth visited Thaksin, it should be in some log. This shouldn’t be hard to prove.
What happened to Thailand’s justice system? This is turning into a mockery.
It’s all about the money and influence. Nothing will be resolved fairly unless those at the top want it to be.
Does anyone else feel like we’re just watching a soap opera? None of this will change anything for regular citizens.
Unfortunately, true. Real justice feels very far away.