Prime Minister anticipates receipt of update on the hospitalization of his father.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has yet to recieve specific details concerning her father, former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra's medical treatment during his time at Police General Hospital. This comes after an earlier discussion where she mentioned that the Medical Council of Thailand would be providing information about the case they're investigating.
However, Paetongtarn asserted that Thaksin underwent medical procedures as claimed. She pointed out that he even had surgeries during his stay.
Paetongtarn is among those called to appear at the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Political Office Holders on June 13 to discuss her father's medical treatment. Thaksin will not personally attend but will submit a written statement instead, according to his lawyer.
The court's decision to investigate Thaksin's prison sentence execution came about after they dismissed a former MP's petition as he was not directly affected by the matter.
Paetongtarn dismissed the notion that this investigation is part of political manipulations aimed at undermining the government, stating, "Thaksin is 75 years old now and his recovery from health issues is slow. But we as a family continue to stand strong."
Meanwhile, Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin refuted allegations that he abused his position as the special president of the Medical Council to block an ethics investigation into the doctors involved in Thaksin's treatment. The council is set to release a report on the matter on Thursday.
Dr. Warong Detkitvikrom, chairman of the Thai Pakdee Party, earlier accused Somsak of using his authority to hinder the investigation's findings on the doctors' ethical conduct.
Somsak countered this, explaining that he generally supports the council's conclusions and that he cannot influence all 72 board members to vote in a particular direction.
Activist Jatuporn Prompan shared on social media that two doctors at Police General Hospital could face penalties, including having their medical licenses suspended. Additionally, more doctors from Police General Hospital and Corrections Hospital may also face severe punishment following the investigation.
Thaksin, aged 75, was sentenced to eight years in prison, which was later reduced to one year with a royal pardon. Despite this, he never spent a single night in prison, becoming eligible for parole after six months.
During his six-month stay, Thaksin was housed on the 14th floor of Police General Hospital in a VIP room that cost 8,500 baht per night. He received medical treatment throughout his stay, including surgeries.
Commentary: The 14th floor saga leaves a questionable impression
Enrichment Data:
Key Points to Consider
- Hospital Details: Thaksin's stay at the Police General Hospital's 14th floor included a VIP room costing 8,500 baht per night. Medical procedures, including surgeries, were performed throughout his six-month stay[2][3][4].
- Legal Hearing: The Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Political Office Holders will hold a hearing on June 13 to discuss Thaksin's medical treatment[5].
- Investigations: The Medical Council of Thailand and related officials have been asked to provide evidence concerning the inquiry[2][4].
Implications
- Political Landscape: Thaksin's situation continues to impact the political climate in Thailand[5].
- Public Scrutiny: Skepticism and curiosity surrounding the circumstances of Thaksin's hospital stay have persisted[3].
- Legal Consequences: The court's decisions will shape future medical treatments for individuals in legal custody in Thailand[5].
- Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is yet to receive specific details about her father's medical treatment at the Police General Hospital, despite earlier discussions with the Medical Council of Thailand.
- Paetongtarn has confirmed that Thaksin underwent medical surgeries during his six-month stay at the Police General Hospital.
- Paetongtarn will submit a personal appearance for a hearing at the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Political Office Holders on June 13 regarding her father's medical treatment, as Thaksin will submit a written statement instead.
- The investigation into Thaksin's medical treatment is a part of the ongoing political discourse in Thailand, despite Paetongtarn's assertions that it is not intended to undermine the government.
- In addition to the two doctors at Police General Hospital, more medical professionals from Police General Hospital and Corrections Hospital may face penalties following the investigation into their conduct related to Thaksin's medical treatment.
