Amidst the bustling corridors of Thailand’s high-stakes political drama, Thaksin Shinawatra—whose name evokes both reverence and criticism—has stirred the pot yet again. Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin, an authoritative figure and honorary president of the Medical Council of Thailand (MCT), recently voiced concerns that echoed like a drumbeat through the halls of governance. His partial disagreement with the MCT’s punitive measures against three doctors involved in the controversial out-of-prison care of Thaksin, conducted at the Police General Hospital (PGH), caught the public eye.
The murmurs of dissatisfaction revolve around the comfy room on the 14th floor of the PGH, where Thaksin resided under what many have criticized as privileges befitting a VIP rather than a prisoner. Although the former premier acknowledged Somsak’s actions as part of his ministerial duties, he remained cryptically silent on whether it was a move he endorsed. “I don’t know. It depends on how people see it,” he mused, opting to let public interpretation lead the charge into this murky territory.
This affair took a more curious turn when group chat messages allegedly belonging to the MCT escaped into the public sphere. Thaksin, readily dismissing these leaks and speculation surrounding them, suggested that the kerfuffle over these chat room revelations was merely a teacup tempest. When pressed on the legitimacy of the chat group’s members’ ties to the MCT, he cheekily challenged, “Do I need to name names to prove their credentials?”
Confirming the murmurs behind eyebrows that one figure in the chat holds a senior MCT position, Thaksin downplayed fears of a feud between the Health Ministry and the MCT. “Professional ethics is our safeguard,” he declared, assuring that harmony could prevail as long as pettiness and bias were kept at bay. On national unity, his stance was clear: “Thailand must stop choosing sides. We should stand with the people and the nation.”
Moving onto the legal stage, Thaksin was asked about his anticipated appearance at the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions on June 13—a spectacle more gripping than any courtroom drama you’ve ever binged. Would he grace the court with his presence? With his typical flair for the enigmatic, Thaksin delayed any commitment, citing a need to confer with his trusted legal eagles. Both he and his daughter, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, have been called upon to testify regarding his lengthy hospital vacation.
In the whirl of speculation, some chatter has hinted at the unthinkable: a Thaksin no-show, perhaps accompanied by a spirited dash for international borders if the verdict sings a sour tune. The Seri Ruam Thai Party’s Pol Gen Sereepisuth Temeeyaves knowingly nodded to this potentiality. Thaksin, ever the performer, shrugged off these insinuations with nonchalance and a splash of humor, quipping about Pol Gen Sereepisuth’s health checks on him, “How’s he doing? I’ve been worried about him.”
The plot thickens with a paper trail delivered by former Democrat MP Chanchai Issarasenarak and Pol Gen Sereepisuth, detailing Thaksin’s PGH visit. Those receipts, sparse in content, purportedly list room charges but no medical costs—peculiar for a stay owing to claimed critical conditions. “They’re neither victims nor parties to this case,” Thaksin noted with a touch of dismissiveness, hinting their claims might not withstand the court’s scrutiny.
In the swirling mist of politics, power, and public perception, one thing remains certain: as long as Thaksin Shinawatra is in the picture, the stage will never be short of scenes dripping with intrigue, filled with curiously entertaining notes for the history books of Thailand’s vibrant political tapestry.
Thaksin is just using his power to stay out of real prison! This whole hospital stay is just a convenient excuse.
That’s an unfair accusation without any hard evidence. Even former leaders can fall ill; it’s not all a conspiracy.
Then why isn’t there any medical cost on the receipts? It’s suspicious!
How much power does he really have though? This seems more like a strategic play from the MCT.
I don’t get why people care so much. He’s out of politics now; just let the guy get treated if he has to.
The issue is about fairness and transparency, not just about Thaksin himself.
True, but it feels like we keep rehashing the same old arguments every decade.
Thaksin has always been a polarizing figure. Whether you love or hate him, history will remember these events.
Always found it sketchy how politicians get off easy while regular folks suffer in prison. Classic case of corruption?
Not necessarily. Sometimes high-profile cases get more scrutinized, which can go both ways.
Thaksin should show up in court and face the music. Avoiding it makes him look guilty.
Showing up in court might be good for optics, but they’re probably weighing legal risks.
Curious how the MCT group chat messages leaked. Is someone trying to manipulate the story?
The leaks add a whole new layer to this. Wonder if it’s just the tip of the iceberg.
I find it ironic how politicians claim to unite the nation yet always create divides in the process.
As if people didn’t know politicians do shady stuff already. Anything new here, really?
The whole ‘VIP treatment’ angle is being overplayed. Let legal experts handle it.
This is typical in political cases—diverting attention while playing the victim.
True, but if he’s genuinely sick, then maybe the outcry is exaggerated.
Thaksin has been dodging fallout for years. This is just another dance he will tango through.
Political trials in Thailand always seem like theatre. Never know what’s going on behind the curtain.
That’s politics everywhere, sadly. But with social media, everything seems magnified.
Still, it’s captivating to watch even if sometimes frustrating.
Thaksin or not, shouldn’t the focus be on ensuring justice and unbiased systems?
Thaksin’s reticence about showing up in court is telling. If nothing else, it keeps the public guessing his next move.
That’s part of his charm, I suppose—keeps us engaged either hating him or rooting for him.
Just another chapter in the never-ending saga of Thai politics. Wish they’d focus more on policy than drama.
If Thaksin does leave the country, it won’t be the first time, nor the last. He knows how to play the game.
He probably has a backup plan for every scenario. That’s what makes him unique in Thai politics.
I wouldn’t be surprised if he ended up in exile again. Safer than being detained.