The revered former Prime Minister, Thaksin Shinawatra, found himself ensconced within the confines of the Police General Hospital in the heart of Bangkok, as the morning light broke on the 23rd of August. It’s a common site for many convicts, their stay poised for extension based on informed decisions by the relevant authorities and doctors. A topical issue that was brought to light by Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong during a recent informational session.
The context behind the discussion was a report suggesting an extended reprieve for the former Prime Minister Shinawatra at the Police General Hospital. It came after he had spent 30 days at the said facility, having initially been transferred from the Bangkok Remand Prison following his reentry into the country on the 22nd of August. Doing so, he joined countless other convicts who found themselves permitted to receive treatments outside their prison confines, thanks to the Department of Corrections’ director-general, who holds the authority to extend such stays, as the Justice Minister shed light on.
Another piece of intriguing information revealed was the modus operandi when it came to extending the hospital stay for prisoners. A stay beyond 60 days necessitates the green light from the permanent secretary of justice while anything in excess of 120 days must have the backing of the justice minister. This decision-making process draws heavily upon the expertise and recommendations of the relevant doctors. It’s noteworthy that Thaksin’s situation closely mirrors the described scenarios, as the former Prime Minister was seen as another case where such policies take effect.
Following that, the justice minister went on to clarify his lack of knowledge pertaining to Thaksin’s operation carried out last week or the specifics of his current health status. Such gaps in his knowledge stem from the absence of any discussion with the corrections director-general. This sentiment resonates with Pol Lt Gen Dr. Sophonrat Singhajaru, the chief physician at Police General Hospital, who opted to keep mum about Thaksin’s recent surgery last week citing patient confidentiality.
What’s known about Thaksin’s health condition includes complicated health challenges like high blood pressure, and a host of heart and respiratory problems among others, largely tied to his advancing years. On a related note, activists have demanded an update on Thaksin’s health condition given his nearly month-long stay at the hospital; a move that was made barely 13 hours following his commitment to prison, where he was to serve a one-year sentence. In a subsequent development, the Department of Corrections made it clear that Thaksin has to serve at least six months in prison – up until late February, prior to applying for parole.
Thaksin, 74, returned to Thailand on the morning of Aug 22 after 15 years spent in self-exile. During his absence, he had been prosecuted and sentenced, and had fresh offenses brought against him. On the same day, the Supreme Court enforced an eight-year prison sentence in three finalized cases. However, he was shifted from the Bangkok Remand Prison to the Police General Hospital in the early hours of the next morning due to health implications. His prison term was later reduced to a year by His Majesty the King.
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