Thaksin Shinawatra, the former Prime Minister, was seen cordially greeting his supporters upon landing at Don Mueang airport on August 22. This marked his return from multiple years of self-exile. The photograph capturing this moment was taken by Pattarapong Chatpattarasill.
This return to home soil has been met with widespread curiosity over Thaksin’s current health status. He was sentenced and had been at the Police General Hospital since a short time after this event, over a month ago. There have been an ongoing series of requests for updated information regarding Thaksin, from both the Corrections Department and local law enforcement agencies. However, on Monday, the Corrections Department officially declared its inability to divulge any details pertaining to the health of its inmates without obtaining their explicit consent. This move, they say, is to protect the inmates’ privacy rights.
The Department’s statement has sparked some speculation about whether Thaksin, who still has a year-long sentence left to be served, is enjoying some kind of preferential treatment that allows him to stay out of penitentiary confinement.
Last week, Paetongtarn, Thaksin’s daughter, revealed to the public that her father had undergone surgery after returning to Thailand and was currently recuperating. However, she did not delve into any further specifics.
In its official statement, the Corrections Department has emphasized its commitment to uphold human rights protections and related laws, which deem health information of any individual as confidential. Such laws prevent the Department from disclosing health details about inmates without obtaining their permission.
This stance aligns with the United Nations’ Nelson Mandela Rules which also act as guidelines safeguarding prisoner rights. The department also released data stating that during the 2023 fiscal year, it had under its care a total of 276,686 inmates, out of which over 30,000 required medical care outside their place of detention. Around 140 of these inmates spent more than 30 days receiving medical care.
Srisuwan Janya, a known political activist and recurring petitioner, has publicly demanded that the department reveal an official report from the corrections officers supervising Thaksin in the hospital.
According to Srisuwan, this report, given daily to the supervising officer and the department chief, holds a detailed record of the day’s events. The report comprises information not directly related to the medical condition of Thaksin, including his meals and visitors. According to the Official Information Act of 1997, Srisuwan believes he has the right to access this information and intends to petition the Official Information Board should it be necessary.
“And if an attempt is made to withhold this document from the public, I’ll file a petition asking the Administrative Court to order its disclosure,” he warned.
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