Protests Erupt Over Thaksin's Hospital Stay in Thailand

[webfact]

File photo

 

In a move likely to stir public debate, a group of protesters is set to deliver an official letter to the Thai government, accusing it of providing former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra with special privileges. The controversy stems from Thaksin's extensive stay at the Police General Hospital (PGH), instead of serving his prison sentence, a decision the protesters claim undermines the rule of law and favours political elites.

 

Ex-red-shirt leader Jatuporn Prompan, speaking during a recent Facebook livestream, announced the group's intention to confront the current prime minister personally at Government House on January 21.

 

Their demands revolve around accountability and transparency, particularly concerning the role of those implicated in allowing Thaksin to remain at the hospital rather than in a prison cell. Jatuporn's call for justice echoes wider public sentiment on equal treatment before the law.

 

Jatuporn Prompan. File photo

 

In parallel, the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has launched an investigation, focusing on a dozen officials from the Department of Corrections (DoC) and the PGH.

 

It's noteworthy that the probe excludes any serving government politicians, raising questions about its scope and implications. Meanwhile, the Medical Council of Thailand (MCT) is conducting a separate inquiry into the ethical conduct of the medical professionals who participated in Thaksin's care.

The MCT's investigation, headed by Amorn Leelarasamee, has sought comprehensive documentation from the PGH about Thaksin’s stay, including his medical records, diagnoses, and the identity of all healthcare providers involved.

 

There's an urgency to gather these documents by the end of this week to push forward with the investigation. However, concerns over patient confidentiality might limit the amount of information released.

 

Jatuporn has voiced optimism about the MCT's impending report, suggesting it could substantiate the NACC's findings and shed light on any potential misconduct. As investigations proceed, the outcome may influence public opinion and confidence in the country's institutions.

 

Thaksin, initially sentenced to eight years imprisonment for abuse of power, had his term reduced to one year due to a royal pardon. He occupied a ward on the 14th floor of PGH for nearly six months before being paroled and discharged in February.

 

His one-year sentence officially concluded at the end of August, but the lingering controversy over his hospitalisation remains a contentious issue amongst the Thai public. This unfolding saga captures the intersection of healthcare, politics, and justice, raising vital questions about fairness and transparency in Thailand's legal framework, reported Bangkok Post.

 

-- 2025-01-13

 

 

[thesetat]

nothing to see here. look the other way ok... They will not be investigating any serving politician for this so nothing will ever come out of it. 

Thaksin will remain untouchable even though everyone knows he is not ill and surely was not ill enough to justify 6 months in a prison hospital VIP ward. 

[OneMoreFarang]

1 hour ago, webfact said:

Ex-red-shirt leader Jatuporn Prompan

finally realized that he was in jail for Thaksin but Thaksin was not in jail for what Thaksin did.

How many years did Jatuporn need to realize this?