Report Medical Council's Decision on Thaksin Hospital Case Spurs Legal Debate

[snoop1130]

Picture courtesy of Thai Newsroom

 

In a significant development, the Medical Council voted on June 12 to uphold disciplinary actions against three doctors connected to the Pheu Thai party leader, Thaksin Shinawatra, concerning his extended stay at Police Hospital instead of prison. This decision, as reported by TV Channel 7 and cited by former election commissioner Somchai Srisutthiyakorn, could lead to potential criminal charges against the medical practitioners involved.

 

The council's ruling included a formal warning to one doctor while suspending the medical licences of two others. The controversy centres around the perceived preferential medical treatment Thaksin received, which allowed him to remain in a hospital for six months until released on parole. This disciplinary action can be contested within 90 days, but further ramifications are under consideration.

 

Somchai pointed out that while the disciplinary measures are administrative and subject to appeal, the involved doctors, being civil servants, could face criminal penalties under Section 157 of the Criminal Code. This section addresses official misconduct, which could lead to imprisonment and removal from service.

 

Breaking down the implications of the Medical Council's decision:

 

1. Warning: The doctor issued a warning can continue his medical practice as normal. However, this warning will be recorded as past negligence in his civil service profile.
2. Licence Suspension: Doctors whose licences are suspended for a period such as three or six months cannot practise medicine in any capacity, whether in government or private settings. They are, however, free to pursue non-medical occupations during suspension.
3. Administrative Roles: Doctors holding administrative positions, such as hospital administrators, can maintain their managerial duties and salaries despite the suspension of their medical licences. However, they cannot engage in clinical activities.
4. Other Positions: Doctors who are also board members or hold similar roles in organisations can continue those responsibilities and receive related compensation, as these duties are independent of their medical practice.
5. Appeals Process: The affected doctors have the right to appeal the council's administrative order within 90 days to the Administrative Court.
6. Potential Criminal Charges: Given their status as civil servants, these doctors might still face criminal charges for misconduct under Section 157, with possible outcomes including imprisonment and termination from government service.

 

Meanwhile, Thaksin opted not to appear at the Supreme Court for proceedings related to his hospital stay, delegating the task to his legal team instead. This ongoing case underlines the complex interplay between medical ethics and political dynamics in Thailand, drawing significant public and media scrutiny.

 

The unfolding situation highlights the broader consequences of medical decisions intertwined with political contexts, raising questions about accountability and the role of the medical community in politically sensitive cases. As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how the appeals and potential criminal proceedings will impact those involved.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thai Newsroom 2025-06-13

 

 

[Pouatchee]

2 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Meanwhile, Thaksin opted not to appear at the Supreme Court for proceedings related to his hospital stay

 

Not a care in the world... wonder if he is going to compensate the scapegoat doctors

[hotchilli]

15 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Somchai pointed out that while the disciplinary measures are administrative and subject to appeal, the involved doctors, being civil servants, could face criminal penalties under Section 157 of the Criminal Code. This section addresses official misconduct, which could lead to imprisonment and removal from service.

And jail time for Thaksin

[newbee2022]

The case is going the wrong way.

You can criticize the diagnosis of the 3 Doctors. But if they stay with their view onto Thaksin's health, then it's ok.

As a hospital you can cancel their contracts. That's it.

No way to suspend their license.

However, if they have been bribed that's s different vase for police.

And....who was it?

[lordgrinz]

9 minutes ago, newbee2022 said:

The case is going the wrong way.

You can criticize the diagnosis of the 3 Doctors. But if they stay with their view onto Thaksin's health, then it's ok.

As a hospital you can cancel their contracts. That's it.

No way to suspend their license.

However, if they have been bribed that's s different vase for police.

And....who was it?

 

Check their financial records, eventually you'll find the brown envelopes.

[newbee2022]

5 minutes ago, lordgrinz said:

 

Check their financial records, eventually you'll find the brown envelopes.

Yes, that what I said 

[crazykopite]

He should be made to do his prison sentence and all those involved in his supposed sickness should be sacked !

[Udom]

16 hours ago, Pouatchee said:

 

Not a care in the world... wonder if he is going to compensate the scapegoat doctors

Pretty sure he already did...
Most likely in advance, prior to his return...