Thaksin’s Medical Leave Under Scrutiny: Protests Demand Reimprisonment

[webfact]

Picture courtesy: The Nation

 

Opponents of former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra are rallying for his return to prison. The protest unfolded in Bangkok, with critics questioning the validity of Thaksin’s medical parole and urging Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to act against her father.

 

Thaksin, who returned to Thailand on 22 August 2023 after years in self-imposed exile, was initially taken to Bangkok Remand Prison to start an eight-year sentence for corruption.

 

However, he was swiftly transferred to the police hospital the same night, allegedly due to severe health conditions. This move raised eyebrows and suspicions of preferential treatment.

 

During his six-month hospital stay in a VIP room, Thaksin’s sentence was notably reduced to one year following a royal clemency. He was eventually released on parole, but his release is now at the centre of a political storm, with accusations of orchestrated leniency.

 

At the forefront of the protests is Kaewsan Atibodhi, an academic and co-leader, who has publicly called on Paetongtarn to prioritize justice over familial ties.

 

He criticised her for not compelling the Police General Hospital to disclose Thaksin’s medical records to investigative bodies like the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) and the Medical Council.

Warong Dechgitvigrom, another outspoken critic, demanded that full medical records be shared, not merely fragments. He warned of escalating protests should Paetongtarn fail to act, suggesting that the legitimacy of her position as prime minister could be at stake.

 

Adding to the pressure is Dr Tul Sitthisomwong from the multi-coloured group, who contended that Thaksin’s avoidance of prison time undermines the royal clemency process and disrespects the Supreme Court’s initial sentencing.

 

There are allegations that former Justice Minister Somsak Thepsutin pre-emptively adjusted ministerial directives, paving the way for Thaksin's controversial "hospital stay."

 

The protest culminated in an hour-and-a-half demonstration, after which Deputy Prime Minister Secretary-General Somkid Chuakong received the protesters' open letter at Government House.

 

This letter demanded Paetongtarn leverage her authority to ensure transparency in the investigation of Thaksin's alleged bogus illness and urged the full disclosure of medical records by both the Police General Hospital and the Corrections Department.

 

The matter not only questions the former prime minister's sentence but also challenges the current government’s integrity. With the possibility of larger protests on the horizon, all eyes remain on how Paetongtarn Shinawatra will navigate this political conundrum, reported The Nation.

 

-- 2025-01-22

 

 

[watchcat]

1 hour ago, webfact said:

Opponents of former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra are rallying for his return to prison. The protest unfolded in Bangkok, with critics questioning the validity of Thaksin’s medical parole and urging Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to act against her father.

 

Good news.

[ikke1959]

The PM should indeed act against her father, but she will never do...Thaksin should be jailed again as he too much involved in politics now and seems to have taken over the role of PM. All Thaksin what the news is, while he came under false pretentious into the country, not in jail, but with fake health problems.. But as usual he is the one with the most money, influence  and he is unstoppable..If nothing happens I am afraid that the country will be thrown back again by a coup

[redwood1]

It will be good for Tony to share a jail cell with 50 other inmates...I am sure this will happen any day now....lol

[edwinchester]

One of wifeys family members is in this group protesting against Taksin. Almost everyone of them are anti democratic pro coup supporters who believe the only way to save the country is through the elite wielding absolute power. Most of them are very anti foreigners and would like to rid the country of them.

[Tropicalevo]

2 hours ago, edwinchester said:

One of wifeys family members is in this group protesting against Taksin. Almost everyone of them are anti democratic pro coup supporters who believe the only way to save the country is through the elite wielding absolute power. Most of them are very anti foreigners and would like to rid the country of them.

That is one of Thailand's problems or strengths, depending on how you look at it and who you are.

Keep the poor - poor and the rich - richer.

Do not change anything and keep the Thai education system as it is. Just brainwashing.

The rich send their kids abroad or to private schools to encourage thinking.

 

Paid protestors with free T shirts are not really going to make a difference.

Yet when the young protest against the Junta and want an elected, better government, they are put in gaol by a 'political' law.

[MikeandDow]

2 hours ago, edwinchester said:

One of wifeys family members is in this group protesting against Taksin. Almost everyone of them are anti democratic pro coup supporters who believe the only way to save the country is through the elite wielding absolute power. Most of them are very anti foreigners and would like to rid the country of them.

There are lots of Thais who would like to get rid of foreigners!! "Idi Amin" tried this in 1972 Proved Dsastrous,  That is the problem with Thai's no forward thinking !

[lordgrinz]

4 minutes ago, MikeandDow said:

There are lots of Thais who would like to get rid of foreigners!! "Idi Amin" tried this in 1972 Proved Dsastrous,  That is the problem with Thai's no forward thinking !

 

Forward thinking for a Thai is probably at most 5 minutes.

[Chosenfew]

This will never happen…

[MikeandDow]

3 minutes ago, Chosenfew said:

This will never happen…

You are correct !! but there is no harm in wishful thinking

[connda]

5 hours ago, edwinchester said:

One of wifeys family members is in this group protesting against Taksin. Almost everyone of them are anti democratic pro coup supporters who believe the only way to save the country is through the elite wielding absolute power. Most of them are very anti foreigners and would like to rid the country of them.

You mean the old Yellow Shirt vanguard?