Thailand’s former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra is set to submit a written statement at the start of a court hearing on June 13 regarding claims that his prison sentence was not properly enforced, according to his lawyer.
Thaksin will not appear in person at the hearing, which will be held by the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions, said Winyat Chartmontri.
Mr. Winyat stated that Thaksin will provide medical documents to the court on that day, while his legal team prepares additional evidence and documentation related to his imprisonment and transfer from Bangkok Remand Prison to the Police General Hospital.
The lawyer expressed confidence that the transfer complied with Department of Corrections regulations and added that the court’s inquiry is not a cause for concern, as all procedures were properly followed.
“Thaksin experienced the conditions in jail, so the doctors at the Department of Corrections Hospital recommended his transfer. Complications followed. Thaksin has a history of lung disease and high blood pressure,” Mr. Winyat said.
The investigation was prompted by a petition from former Democrat MP Charnchai Issarasenarak, who asked the court to examine the department’s decision to transfer Thaksin to the police hospital on his first night in custody.
Although the court rejected Mr. Charnchai’s petition due to his lack of direct involvement, it chose to launch its own investigation and requested statements from all relevant parties, including Thaksin.
Thaksin, now 75, was sentenced to eight years in prison — later reduced to one year by royal pardon — after returning to Thailand in August 2023. He did not spend a single night in jail and became eligible for parole after six months.
While inmates are allowed to receive treatment outside prison for up to 120 days, the Department of Corrections permitted Thaksin to remain in hospital for 180 days, citing health risks in prison.
Thaksin paid all costs for his hospital stay, including an 8,500 baht-per-night VIP room on the 14th floor, as confirmed by a parliamentary committee in November.
The ruling Pheu Thai Party has remained silent on the matter, stating it will not comment and will allow the legal process to proceed without interference.
“As the core coalition party, we’re concerned that our comments may be seen as contempt of court,” said party spokesman Danuporn Punakanta.
PM’s Office Minister Chousak Sirinil said the court’s inquiry would help clarify the facts, as many in the public question whether Thaksin received special treatment.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Thaksin’s daughter, was questioned on the issue during a recent parliamentary censure debate.
Mr. Chousak acknowledged that many people believe hospital detention is not equivalent to real imprisonment, but he insisted it is, as corrections officers are responsible for enforcing the sentence.
He said it would be up to the court to decide whether Thaksin’s medical records should be disclosed, and denied claims that the transfer required court approval.
“That falls under the jurisdiction of the Department of Corrections,” Mr. Chousak said.
