Imagine the scene – a horde of enthusiastic supporters, fervent in their adorations, eagerly greet former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra as he touches down at Don Mueang airport on a fateful August evening. The air is electric, the excitement palpable, and the moments are frozen beautifully in the click of a camera, captured for posterity (Photo courtesy of Pattarapong Chatpattarasill).
The wheels of justice and procedure spin silently behind the scenes as Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin steps up to the podium, to diffuse the whispers and uproars alike concerning the decision to allow Thaksin to luxuriate in the plush confines of the Police General Hospital’s premium ward. “Regulations,” he declares. “They’ve followed them to the letter.” Thus was the saga of Thaksin’s hospital stay, one that began swiftly after his grand return, ending his years of self-imposed exile, only to be whisked from the austere Bangkok Remand Prison to the comforting embrace of hospital care.
The rumors of covert meetings and clandestine agendas are swept aside with a wave of Srettha’s hand. His rendezvous with Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong? Merely the usual grind of governance, tackling woes like pork smuggling and the Stark Corp scandal – nothing to do with Thaksin, no sir. The juicy tidbits of gossip surrounding a regulation allowing prisoners to savor freedom’s sweet nectar? Oh, that old thing crafted by the Prayut Chan-o-cha administration back in ’17 – absolutely no connection to the present drama. “Merely coincidence,” the Department of Corrections sings, its tune harmonizing with the chime of innocence.
Enter stage right, the indefatigable Chaichana Detdacho, Democrat Party MP and the House committee’s captain of police affairs – a man unshaken by threats of legal duels. He stands tall, vowing to pierce the veils of secrecy that might enshroud Thaksin’s actual presence and health status within the hallowed hospital ward. “Truth” is his battle cry, justice his sword, as he prepares to embark on a noble quest to the 14th floor on January 12. Stay tuned.
Meanwhile, the sage of social media, Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn from the Move Forward Party, exercises his thumbs and wit in equal measure, typing steadfastly into the digital void. Sure, Thaksin can savor his special treatment but let’s not forget the others, he reminds us. “Justice for one, justice for all,” he seems to say, as he champions fairness over favoritism.
If irony were a person, it might look very much like Thepthai Senpong, the former Democrat MP who has tasted the bitter tang of imprisonment. He chimes in with a knowing chuckle, “Ah, the old ‘sue-to-silence’ strategy!”, having observed Thaksin’s lawyer wielding threats like a well-used shield. Thepthai is not alone in noticing that Thaksin’s treatment might just be a tad more privileged than that of the other 400,000 souls pacing their confined quarters.
As the curtain begins to close on this vivid tableau of politics, health, and the ever-wavering scales of justice, we find adviser Vorachai Hema providing a fading note of somber reflection. It’s a tale of old grudges, deep-seated and shadow-cloaked, against a backdrop where Thaksin stands, a figure as divisive as ever, whose saga continues to captivate and ensnare the hearts and minds of a nation.
Be First to Comment