On Saturday, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin defended the Corrections Department over criticism for purportedly granting special favours to the jailed ex-Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.
Before heading to Phitsanulok, Mr. Srettha remarked that he had viewed a widely-discussed photo of the previous PM, emphasizing that the department treated all prisoners equally.
Mr. Srettha was addressing an image that surfaced on social media on Friday, appearing to show Thaksin in a medical gown and mask, seated on a stretcher. Two figures beside him looked similar to his daughters.
Thaksin Shinawatra underwent a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedure on Friday. He was then brought back to his room at the Police General Hospital the very same day, as stated by the Department of Corrections’ director-general.
On Saturday, Sahakan Phetnarin, the department’s director-general, verified that Thaksin was the individual in the image, being moved from his hospital chamber for a CT scan and MRI.
Drawing from a statement by the Bangkok Remand Prison head, he mentioned that Thaksin underwent the CT scan and MRI, which lasted approximately an hour. The tests were recommended by Thaksin’s medical team.
Mr. Sahakan confirmed that Thaksin was in stable condition, and while there might be more details to share, he chose not to divulge any further information in order to uphold and respect the privacy of the patient.
On August 22, after a 15-year self-imposed exile, 74-year-old Thaksin returned to Thailand. That day, he received an eight-year prison sentence by the Supreme Court for three separate cases.
However, due to health concerns, he was relocated from Bangkok Remand Prison to the Police General Hospital on the same night, where he remains.
Following an appeal for a royal pardon, His Majesty the King reduced his sentence to one year. Mr. Sahakan mentioned that Thaksin’s family had visitation rights to ensure they were informed about his medical care.
Yet, the Corrections Department is awaiting word from Thaksin’s doctors on whether his stay at the Police General Hospital would be extended or if he would return to prison.
He noted that a decision regarding Thaksin’s prolonged hospital stay, set to end on October 22, needs to be communicated to the department.
If another extension is granted, it should be notified to the justice permanent secretary.
He further mentioned that if Thaksin’s medical treatment necessitates a stay exceeding 120 days, the situation would be brought to the attention of the justice minister.
Lastly, on Saturday, Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew claimed no awareness of Thaksin’s medical state but trusted that protocols were being followed.
