January 8Jan 8 Composite courtesy of Thai RathA new memorandum suggests that a chief doctor involved in Thaksin Shinawatra's controversial hospital stay might receive a promotion before retirement. The document, signed by Police Chief Gen. Kitrat Phanphet, lists potential promotions, including the doctor’s possible rise to the rank of general before stepping down in October. This news coincides with the ongoing controversy surrounding Thaksin's extended hospital stay at the Police Hospital, prompting questions about the timing and potential consequences of the promotion.The memorandum outlines the selection process for senior police ranks, ensuring the appointments follow the Royal Thai Police Act and related regulations. With appointments slated for April, the list includes officers eligible for roles such as special advisers to police. Among those listed is Pol. Lt. Gen. Sophonrat Singchajaru, a former chief medical officer, whose medical licence was once suspended due to providing misleading information about Thaksin’s condition.Despite regulations allowing for a review period of 15 days for these appointments, Sophonrat’s potential promotion has drawn criticism. His involvement in Thaksin’s case, which is under investigation by the Disciplinary Committee and the National Anti-Corruption Commission, raises questions about the appropriateness of such a move. Furthermore, if no vacancies arise, a new adviser position might be created, possibly leading to a promotion regardless of current openings.Reaction to the memorandum has been mixed. Sources suggest that promoting someone linked to ongoing investigations could undermine public trust. The decision comes after Thaksin was sent back to jail in September 2025, following his arrest after returning from self-exile. Critics allege that his hospital stay was unjustified, lacking Supreme Court permission, and served to avoid jail time under questionable circumstances.Looking ahead, the police force must navigate the complexities of this situation, balancing legal compliance with public perceptions. Any potential promotion will be scrutinised, especially given the ongoing proceedings surrounding Thaksin’s hospitalisation. Transparency and adherence to procedural fairness will be key as the situation continues to unfold, reported Thai Newsroom.Key TakeawaysPol. Lt. Gen. Sophonrat may be promoted amid ongoing investigations.Thaksin's earlier hospitalisation remains a point of contention.Transparency in police promotions is critical amidst scrutiny. Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thai Newsroom 2026-01-09
January 8Jan 8 Popular Post The more you cheat, don't behave, are corrupt, or other malfunction, the bigger your reward... Bad things in Thailand are rewarded, while the good things are being criticized and prosecuted
January 9Jan 9 Well, he did work hard to cover things up...so I guess he just did what any thai would do, work hard for brown envelopes....and here's the kicker, he will be investigated be other corrupt officers...oh well, it is Thailand.
January 9Jan 9 56 minutes ago, klauskunkel said:The good Doctor must have shared his envelop.It is this envelope it is more who are the people in charge loyal to.This could become election talking point.
January 9Jan 9 "..possible rise to the rank of general before stepping down in October."Just one more general, what the heck. Thailand has 1,400-1,700 flag officers; about 1 general for every 212 soldiers. USA has 900 flag officers, 1 general per 1,400 soldiers (google search result)
January 9Jan 9 A new memorandum suggests that a chief doctor involved in Thaksin Shinawatra's controversial hospital stay might receive a promotion before retirement.No surprises there.
January 9Jan 9 53 minutes ago, hotchilli said:A new memorandum suggests that a chief doctor involved in Thaksin Shinawatra's controversial hospital stay might receive a promotion before retirement.No surprises there.I am surprised....Why would a hospital doctor be a general?
January 9Jan 9 ...On Another Note...People Are Also Questioning Who Set Up The Recent Deal For The 50+ Year Old 'Air Defense System'...(?)
January 9Jan 9 A rise up the step ladder for doing what doctors are supposed to do, keeping people healthy. He’ll soon be promoting the products he used to cure Thaksin from all his ailments, I believe it’s called Bull$hit!
January 10Jan 10 A doctor becoming a general - now that's a first. All the rest is self-explanatory and understandable given the present "honesty" of the entire system in the Land of Funny Hats and Rubber Ducks - certainly did not come as a surprise to me.
January 10Jan 10 On 1/9/2026 at 2:47 PM, Aussie999 said:Well, he did work hard to cover things up...so I guess he just did what any thai would do, work hard for brown envelopes....and here's the kicker, he will be investigated be other corrupt officers...oh well, it is Thailand.What a pack of dogs they are. If I was investigating this cr.p I would check out this, guy who authorised this promotion, being Police Chief Gen. Kitrat Phanphet. Bet he has a nice car, nice house and fat bank account,
January 11Jan 11 On 1/9/2026 at 11:21 AM, Emdog said:"..possible rise to the rank of general before stepping down in October."Just one more general, what the heck.Thailand has 1,400-1,700 flag officers; about 1 general for every 212 soldiers.USA has 900 flag officers, 1 general per 1,400 soldiers (google search result)Promotion would be to police general, not related to the armed forces.
January 11Jan 11 Thaksim did go inside as we know,the doctor getting a promotion before he retires strange.A few brown evenlopes he shared i agree were shared
January 14Jan 14 Then with the same breath he will say the thai police is not a mafia organisation and the public should trust them
January 15Jan 15 BREAKING: The Department of Corrections on Thursday moves to grant parole to inmate Thaksin Shinawatra this coming May.https://x.com/KhaosodEnglish/status/2011685776397103607
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