Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra will be called to testify before a House committee concerning allegations of receiving privileged treatment at the Police General Hospital (PGH) during his detention.
The committee, focusing on state security, border affairs, national strategy, and reform and chaired by People’s Party MP Rangsiman Rome, will conduct its second session on this matter on November 22, inviting all relevant parties to participate, according to a source.
In addition to Thaksin, the invited list includes Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong; Sahakarn Petchnarin, the director of the Department of Corrections; and Pol Lt Gen Taweesilp Wechawitarn, the director of Police General Hospital, among others, including medical specialists and law enforcement officials.
According to a source who wished to remain anonymous, committee members uncovered troubling information during their initial meeting on November 12.
The concerns raised involved the quality of medical care provided in prisons and the procedures for transferring severely ill inmates.
However, no substantial evidence such as treatment details, photos, or video footage from Police General Hospital was presented that matched the expected standard of care for inmates not in prison.
Pol Lt Gen Piya Tawichai, spokesperson for the Palang Pracharath Party, stated that several officers might face consequences if it is proven that they allowed Thaksin to occupy the VIP section of the hospital for six months without valid medical justification, prior to his parole.
He emphasized the need for stringent monitoring of high-profile prisoners receiving outside medical treatment, including constant surveillance by guards and a local police presence.
Despite requirements for operational security cameras, it was noted that all cameras on the 14th floor of the hospital were reportedly inoperative. The absence of supplementary evidence like medical or prescription logs raised suspicions.
The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) is also examining the circumstances of Thaksin’s prolonged hospitalization.
Thaksin returned to Thailand on August 22 after 15 years in self-imposed exile. That very day, the Supreme Court ordered him imprisoned for eight years — later shortened to one year under a royal pardon — for abuses of power and conflicts of interest.
Upon his initial imprisonment at Bangkok Remand Prison, medical personnel quickly transferred him to Police General Hospital. He was released six months later on parole without having served actual prison time.
