Report Deadline Set for Missing Documents in Thaksin Medical Case

[snoop1130]

Picture courtesy of Warong Dechgitvigrom Facebook

 

In a move that's capturing public attention in Thailand, an aide to Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin has requested the Medical Council of Thailand to submit crucial documents concerning former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra's hospital treatment. The documents are essential to assess the conduct of three doctors facing discipline for allegedly misrepresenting Thaksin's medical condition, which allowed him to serve his prison sentence in a VIP hospital suite.

 

On Wednesday, Vice-minister Thanakrit Jitareerat issued a 15-day deadline for the council to provide these documents. Prompt submission could see the 10-member review committee, which is reassessing the council’s findings, reconvene soon, possibly concluding discussions this week. However, further delays would push back proceedings to Monday.

 

Minister Somsak, as honorary chairman of the council, will receive all opinions expressed at the meeting. He holds the power to either accept or reject the council’s proposal for disciplinary action. His decision, due by May 30, could either uphold the disciplinary measures or necessitate an explanation for any veto, a task still at his discretion. Should he reject the council’s resolution, it will require a two-thirds majority vote of the full 70-member Medical Council board to override his decision.

 

Mr Thanakrit emphasised accountability and transparency, noting that the review committee is working strictly within the bounds of available documentation and not accepting external input. The missing documents pertain to initial complaints and necessary procedural details, critical for deliberation.

 

The case has drawn significant public scrutiny, particularly highlighting the involvement of a potentially biased committee member. Mr Thanakrit underscored the importance of an open-minded approach and maintained that the committee, composed of legal and medical professionals, is dedicated to fair evaluation without political influence.

 

Thaksin returned to Thailand in August 2023 after 15 years in exile. Originally sentenced to eight years for abuse of power, his sentence was reduced by royal clemency to one year. Medical issues led to his transfer from prison to Police General Hospital, where he spent six months in a VIP suite, reportedly at his own expense.

 

As the investigation continues, the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions is set to begin an inquiry next month into whether Thaksin's sentence was adequately enforced. This inquiry will hear evidence from Thaksin and his daughter, current Premier Paetongtarn, offering more insights into this high-profile case.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-05-22

 

 

[Pouatchee]

53 minutes ago, snoop1130 said:

where he spent six months in a VIP suite, reportedly at his own expense.

so now it is believed he might not have paid?

this guy... how many times have we read here that he keeps saying he paid for the room. 

corruption to the core and beyond

[ikke1959]

all document are through the shredder already... nothing more to find.. mai mee ka