Report Ombudsman Probes Thaksin's Hospital Stay Amid Preferential Treatment Claims

[snoop1130]

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Chief Ombudsman Somsak Suwansujarit has set a 30-day deadline for the Department of Corrections (DOC) and related agencies to justify their decision allowing former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's six-month hospital stay, bypassing standard prison time. This investigation follows a petition from the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), which urges scrutiny over alleged preferential treatment.

 

The NHRC's petition, submitted on 18 April, calls on the Ombudsman to request the Central Administrative Court to annul the DOC's decision, sparking concerns of potential inequities within the justice system.

 

In response, Somsak confirmed that the concerned agencies, including the DOC and Police General Hospital (PGH), have been asked to provide detailed written explanations within 30 days. This documentation will determine if further testimonies are required.

 

Somsak also highlighted the possibility of seeking additional clarification from the NHRC to thoroughly understand the petition's nuances, especially if it aims for a retrospective imprisonment order.

 

 

 

The DOC, along with Correctional Hospital and PGH, is under scrutiny to clarify Thaksin’s extended hospitalisation. This follows Thaksin's return from self-imposed exile in August 2023. Initially sentenced to eight years, Thaksin swiftly transitioned from Bangkok Remand Prison to PGH on arrival. After six months, he received a royal pardon, reducing his term to one year, which he completed under parole at home.

 

Given the case's prominent nature, Somsak acknowledged the public pressure but remains optimistic about full compliance from all agencies in providing the necessary information.

 

This inquiry aims to shed light on the perceived discrepancies in Thaksin's case, potentially influencing future policy and public trust in Thailand’s justice system.

 

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Nation 2025-04-25

 

 

 

[Gottfrid]

STUPID people! Thre is nothing to look at or anything to agree about. This was a deal made with corrupted people. and it will stay that way