As the sun cast its golden rays over Bangkok, a photo emerged, causing a ripple across social media at the speed of light. It captured a seemingly innocuous moment: former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, a significant figure in Thai politics, allegedly being wheeled from a specialized room at the Police General Hospital for a CT and MRI scan in October of 2023. Yet, this snapshot was more than just a routine medical check – it became the epicenter of a health-related controversy shaking the upper echelons of Thailand’s medical and political landscape.
The Medical Council of Thailand, in a decisive move, announced the suspension of two doctors while issuing a stern warning to a third. This drastic action took center stage after thorough investigations allegedly revealed that Thaksin’s supposed critical illness, which had justified his serving prison time in a hospital, was not, in fact, critical. Prof Dr. Prasit Watanapa, vice president of the council, took to the podium during a Thursday afternoon press conference, affirming that while the council’s resolution had the weight of majority approval, it would still require the public health minister’s nod to be enforced. This role is currently held by Somsak Thepsutin from the governing Pheu Thai Party, conveniently led by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Thaksin’s very own daughter.
The doctors implicated in this unexpected calamity were stationed at both the Correctional Hospital and Police General Hospital. The blame centered on one doctor for neglecting professional standards in issuing a referral notice, while two others were accused of fabricating medical documentation. As orthopaedic specialists, their practice faced severe scrutiny. “The information we examined doesn’t substantiate the critical condition previously reported,” Dr. Prasit elaborated with caution when pressed on these false claims.
While the exact duration of these suspensions is pending, Dr. Prasit described the suspension of a medical license as a severe professional penalty. Even so, the council advised against rushing to conclusions regarding Thaksin’s health conditions, emphasizing that the evidence at hand simply didn’t support the claims of criticality. A stalwart in both police service and politics, Thaksin, after a lengthy self-exile, set foot back on Thai soil on August 22, 2023, following a 15-year hiatus. Almost immediately, he faced the gavel of justice: the Supreme Court sentenced him to an eight-year imprisonment for malfeasance during his premiership before 2006, a sentence later mitigated to a single year by royal clemency.
Upon his first night within the constrained walls of the Bangkok Remand Prison, medical assessments deemed Thaksin too frail for prison care, citing chest pain and signs of hypertension. Transferred to the Police General Hospital, he reportedly found himself in a setting desperately lacking the necessary medical proficiency and apparatus for critically ill patients. An exception was made, allowing for his treatment beyond prison confines for 120 days—a period further extended to 180 days by the Corrections Department, citing life-threatening jail conditions. All expenses, including pricy occupancy in a VIP room on the hospital’s 14th floor tagged at 8,500 baht per night, were paid by Thaksin, a parliamentary committee learned in November.
Then came February 18, 2024, when he was paroled and released ostensibly due to advancing age and serious illness. Back home, he was spotlighted wearing a neck brace and arm sling, yet by no means was this the end of his vigor. Not one to be silenced by controversy, Thaksin dived headfirst into the political fray, hitting the campaign trail with commendable energy for the Pheu Thai Party. His formal completion of a one-year prison sentence on August 31, 2024, remains a topic of legal intrigue. The nation’s Supreme Court, known for its own theatrics, decided to investigate whether this sentence adhered to proper procedure, all after dismissing a push from an ex-MP on procedural grounds.
His daughter finds herself on the docket too, set to address the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions regarding her father’s medical episode. Thaksin, seeking reprieve from direct scrutiny, plans to submit a written defense, his lawyer confirmed.
In the grand tapestry of Thai politics, this ’14th-floor saga’ adds another colorful if embarrassing, thread, shedding dubious light on the mingling of health, wealth, and influence.
This is just another example of corruption in politics. Thaksin should serve his sentence like anyone else.
Corrupt or not, he’s too old and sick. Let him serve at home.
If he’s really sick, then why’s he out campaigning? This smells fishy.
They all play the health card to get special treatment. Typical!
Can’t really trust the Medical Council either. They might have their own agendas.
Sure, but without trust in institutions, what’s left? Anarchy?
Institutions are rotten to the core. Reform is needed.
I find it hard to believe that the meds were fabricated. Doctors wouldn’t risk their careers like that.
They might, for the right price. Power and money change people.
If true, it’s a sad day for medicine in Thailand. Funding and oversight should be stricter.
Medical ethics are supposed to prevent this, but greed can be blinding.
This is so unfair! They are harassing a sick old man.
Doubt he’s that sick. Why not spend his sentence in a regular hospital or a prison for that matter?
The entire justice system seems biased. Having family in power definitely helps.
Nepotism at its finest. Thais deserve better.
Why is Thaksin’s daughter even involved? The whole family’s in politics!
Dynasties thrive in politics. Have you forgotten the US and the Kennedys or Bushes?
True, but isn’t this direct conflict of interest more blatant?
Everyone is concentrating on Thaksin, but what about the state of the prisons? Are they that bad?
Prisons in Thailand aren’t great, but plenty tougher guys survive there.
He is the only leader who brought prosperity to Thailand. People forget what he did for us!
For how long should bad governance continue to plague Thailand? It’s 2024, yet some things never change.
I think this trial is becoming a circus show. Focus should be on the real issues.
It’s sad how political battles overshadow real health care for the citizenry.
Why aren’t more doctors speaking up about ethics and Thaksin’s condition?
Silence is golden when your job is on the line. Sad but true reality.
All this controversy from one photo! Social media truly has a mighty weapon.
Whether sick or not, political prisoners should be treated with humanity.
Sure, but there has to be certainty about the illness, not just a get-out-of-jail card.