Photo courtesy of Thai PBS

 

In a landmark decision today, Thailand's Supreme Court ruled against former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's six-month stay in the Police General Hospital (PGH), declaring it unlawful. Thaksin, who claimed life-threatening illnesses, is ordered back to Bangkok Remand Prison to serve his one-year sentence.

 

This unprecedented ruling was based on three key issues. Firstly, the court scrutinised the legitimacy of Thaksin's transfer from the Bangkok Remand Prison directly to PGH on August 22, 2023. The transfer bypassed the Corrections Department’s hospital, breaching regulations. The department's claims of Thaksin suffering from chest pain and high blood pressure were rejected. The court highlighted that the Corrections Department’s hospital, located just 200 metres away, was equipped to handle such conditions.

 

According to regulations, patients must first be treated at the Corrections Department’s hospital. Transfer to an external hospital is only justified if there's no improvement. The court found that these protocols were ignored.

 

The second issue addressed whether Thaksin's condition warranted a prolonged hospital stay. Upon his PGH arrival, he was not immediately tested with an electrocardiogram nor examined by a heart specialist, Dr. Prasit Watanapa testified. The court concluded that Thaksin’s claimed chest pain was a pretext for staying outside prison, noting the facilities at the Corrections Department’s hospital were adequate for his treatment.

 

Further scrutiny revealed that PGH doctors had recommended Thaksin remain there for 180 days. They cited needs for surgical treatments he never underwent, further questioning the justification of his stay.

 

Finally, the court examined the enforcement of Thaksin's prison sentence. It determined Thaksin was aware his ailments were manageable as an outpatient, yet avoided necessary surgeries. His immediate transfer to PGH, specifically to a non-emergency floor not designated for prisoners, violated regulations.

 

The court noted Thaksin benefited from his extended hospital stay without serving his sentence, acknowledging his involvement in decisions that prolonged his hospitalisation.

 

The Supreme Court's ruling addressed significant public interest and suspicions over Thaksin's alleged privilege. During its inquiry, the court heard testimonies from 31 witnesses, including Medical Council members and Corrections Department officials, and reviewed comprehensive documentation like medical records.

 

With the ruling that his time in the hospital doesn't count towards his sentence, Thaksin must return to prison, marking a significant legal and political development. This decision underscores the court's stance on impartiality and adherence to legal norms.

 

The financial implications of Thaksin's controversial stay remain a public concern, with costs potentially amounting to millions of Baht. This case has reignited discussions on legal equality and political influence in Thailand, capturing both national and international attention.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thai PBS 2025-09-10

 

 

Sounds reasonable 😊

Maybe he can get free eye bag surgery in prison.

Deals were made and everyone knew it. I said before this adjudication that I wasn't so sure it would go Thaksin's way because IMO the relationship between Thaksin and the military-elite was on shaky ground. This now sure seems to be the case. Those who got their pockets stuffed with Thaksin's money for keeping him out of jail should also be chargred and jailed. 

4 minutes ago, dinsdale said:

Deals were made and everyone knew it. I said before this adjudication that I wasn't so sure it would go Thaksin's way because IMO the relationship between Thaksin and the military-elite was on shaky ground. This now sure seems to be the case. Those who got their pockets stuffed with Thaksin's money for keeping him out of jail should also be chargred and jailed. 

oh was it not you who said he would not spend any time in jail !1 WRONG !!!  and if you care to read you will see that they ARE going after the people involved 

1 minute ago, MikeandDow said:

oh was it not you who said he would not spend any time in jail !1 WRONG !!!  and if you care to read you will see that they ARE going after the people involved 

I did say that. Behind bars I think were my actual words. 

Is it the same court that ruled Thammanat could become a cabinet Minister even though he was convicted of heroin smuggling in Australia and served time in prison there for that offense? The court's reasoning, as I recall, to allow his appointment was because he was convicted in another country - not Thailand! So all good then!

Is he actually in prison yet?  I'll believe it when I see it.  If it does actually happen it probably won't last long.  They will probably quietly release him after a month or two on some new excuse.

9 hours ago, shdmn said:

Is he actually in prison yet?  I'll believe it when I see it.  If it does actually happen it probably won't last long.  They will probably quietly release him after a month or two on some new excuse.

 

Yes. The inmates ran a train on him last night. The screams and laughter could be heard all the way to Lumphini Park. 

5 minutes ago, flaming dragon said:

 

Yes. The inmates ran a train on him last night. The screams and laughter could be heard all the way to Lumphini Park. 

Ah, another "jail rape enthusiast"!

 

Some sick individuals around aren't there?

Just now, JAG said:

Ah, another "jail rape enthusiast"!

 

Some sick individuals around aren't there?

 

I watched too much American television as a child.