The renowned ex-prime minister of Thailand, Thaksin Shinawatra, will continue his hospitalization at the prestigious Police General Hospital. This decision has been sanctioned under an authorised extension once his initial 60-day out-of-prison period came to its completion this Saturday. The Department of Corrections’ director-general, Sahakarn Phetnarin, was intrinsic in expanding Thaksin’s time in the hospital based on professional medical advice, as public relations spokespersons of the department conveyed.
The decision comes after a comprehensive report from Bangkok Remand Prison’s medical staff, citing that Thaksin’s ongoing care was critical at the Police General Hospital. Patient confidentiality and medical boundaries prevent explicit details of his treatment from being public knowledge, capturing the essence of the ex-prime minister’s right to privacy.
Shinawatra, aged 74, has a recorded history of high blood pressure. He also battles complications of the heart and respiratory system, along with various health challenges the elderly often encounter. Thaksin’s daughter, Paetongtarn, previously revealed that he had undergone surgery last month to manage an unspecified health condition.
The Department of Corrections’ director-general’s approval, favoured medical opinion, and relevant substantiating evidence have been handed over to the permanent secretary assigned for the Ministry of Justice. This individual holds the power to give the final nod to the extension.
As per the prison system’s regulations concerning inmate transfers to external medical facilities, the director-general of the Department of Corrections must endorse any stay exceeding 30 days. This provision applied to Thaksin’s case, gaining approval on 22nd September. In case of the treatment extending beyond 60 days, endorsement from the Justice’s permanent secretary becomes a requisite. Even a more extended treatment duration exceeding 120 days demands the justice minister’s green signal.
In a statement made last Saturday, the national police chief Pol Gen Torsak Sukvimol conveyed medical opinion would be sent to the Department of Corrections to determine the continuance of Shinawatra’s hospital stay. Any decision about the patient’s reassignment to prison is outside the Royal Thai Police’s jurisdiction.
Earlier last week, the police chief firmly instructed the Police General Hospital to convey details about the treatment Thaksin had received. This demand originated from a viral photo depicting Shinawatra in a hospital gown and face mask, being transported for CT and MRI scanning. Post scans; he was promptly sent back to his 14th-floor room at the hospital.
This photo ignited a social media storm, prompting widespread criticism about any preferential treatment Shinawatra may be receiving during his sentence.
A local group, the Network of Students and People Reforming Thailand, has petitioned the Ministry of Justice to halt any special privileges extended to Thaksin. Thaksin made his return to Thailand on Aug 22 following a self-imposed exile, which lasted over 15 years. Immediately upon his return, he was convicted in three separate cases of abuse of authority and conflict of interest during his tenure as the nation’s premier prior to 2006, cumulatively serving a sentence of eight years. Thanks to a royal pardon, Shinawatra’s jail time subsequently reduced to a year.
Upon entering prison, Shinawatra was admitted to the Police General Hospital merely 13 hours later, where he has been ever since his return. The Royal Thai Police and the Department of Corrections have firmly denied any claims of specially favoured treatment extended to the convict.
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