Doctors Probed for Allegedly Aiding Thaksin’s Hospital Stay

Picture courtesy of Thai Rath

A police investigation has commenced into two doctors accused of enabling Pheu Thai figure Thaksin Shinawatra to spend six months in a Police Hospital suite, rather than serve prison time. This investigation, initiated by a police fact-finding committee, follows the suspension of Dr. Sophonrat Singhajaru and Dr. Taweesilp Wechawitarn, who allegedly falsified medical reports to favour Thaksin and had their medical licences suspended by the Medical Council.

The decision to probe the doctors arose amidst ongoing scrutiny by Thailand's National Anti-Corruption Commission into Thaksin's hospitalisation, bypassing his shortened, one-year jail sentence. Pol. Lt. Gen. Thanapol Srisopa is leading this inquiry, which National Police Chief Pol. Gen. Kittirat Phanphet ordered. Despite previous punitive actions by the Medical Council, further examination is deemed necessary.

Pol. Gen. Thatchai Pitaneelbutr, police inspector-general, stated that the investigation’s outcome will hinge on administrative decisions by his superiors. This approach suggests a thorough review of the circumstances surrounding Thaksin's stay, beyond the existing Medical Council sanctions.

The backstory includes a recent Supreme Court ruling that returned Thaksin to jail to complete his one-year sentence for misconduct during his time as Prime Minister of Thailand, which was initially reduced under a royal decree. This recent development highlights ongoing judicial actions against Thaksin related to past political activities.

Key Takeaways

• Two doctors are being investigated for allegedly granting Thaksin undue hospitalisation.
• The police inquiry follows actions by the Medical Council and ongoing anti-corruption investigations.
• Thaksin faces continued court decisions related to past misconduct during his presidency.

Related Stories:

Thaksin Hearing in ‘14th Floor’ Case Postponed, Media Gag Ordered
Thaksin Blasts Medical Council Over Hospital Stay Controversy

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thai Newsroom 2025-09-12