Thaksin's Medical Saga: The Latest Twist
Current Status of the Disciplinary Action Against the Doctors
Health Ministry awaits verdict on Thaksin Shinawatra's medical council case
In a recent turn of events, three doctors who treated former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra find themselves in hot water. The Medical Council of Thailand has decided to take action, recommending license suspensions, warnings, and even new evidence comes into play.
The Council's Move
On May 8, 2025, the council announced that three doctors had violated medical ethics due to inconsistencies between their reports and Thaksin's health status. While the council didn't reveal their identities, the Isra News Agency named them as Pol Lt Gen Dr Thaweesin Vejvithan, Pol Lt Gen Dr Sophonrat Singhajaru, and Dr Ruamthip Supanun[1][2][4].
The council is accusing Pol Gen Dr Thaweesin and Pol Lt Gen Dr Sophonrat of providing inaccurate information about Thaksin's health, leading to a potential breach of professional standards[1][4]. Dr Ruamthip, who checked Thaksin's health at the Corrections Department Hospital, is facing a warning for approving his transfer for treatment at Police General Hospital.
Minister Somsak's Role
Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin now holds the reins. He has 15 days to review the council's decision and determine whether to endorse or reject it. If he disagrees, the issue will be sent back to the council, which must secure a two-thirds majority to overrule the minister's veto[1][2].
To aid his decision, Minister Somsak plans to establish a review panel to scrutinize the 1,000-page report from the council's investigative committee[1]. Yet, the director of Police General Hospital has submitted new information, which Minister Somsak will likely consider before making his call.
The political fallout
As a key figure within the Pheu Thai Party, Minister Somsak finds himself in a tricky situation. If he endorses the council's conclusion that Thaksin was not critically ill, it could call into question Thaksin's extended hospital stay at the police hospital. This could impact an upcoming Supreme Court inquiry examining whether Thaksin's imprisonment was sufficiently enforced[3][5]. The inquiry's first hearing is set for June 13.
[1] "Medical Council of Thailand recommends punishing three doctors in Thaksin case," Bangkok Post, May 9, 2025, https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1926295/medical-council-recommends-punishing-three-doctors-in-thaksin-case
[2] "Thaksin Shinawatra: Doctors suspended over Thai ex-PM's hospital treatment," BBC News, May 9, 2025, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-57282127
[3] "Thaksin's hospital stay: Was it justified? debate rages," The Nation, June 1, 2025, https://www.nationthailand.com/opinion/30404792
[4] "Medical Council of Thailand Investigates Thaksin's Hospitalization," Khaosod English, May 9, 2025, https://www.khaosodenglish.com/thailand-news/news/medical-council–thailand-investigates-thaksin-s–hospitalization/190879468
[5] "Thaksin's prison sentence: Was it properly enforced?," Coconuts Bangkok, May 12, 2025, https://coconuts.co/bangkok/news/thaksin-s-prison-sentence-was-it-properly-enforced/
- The Medical Council's decision to take action against three doctors, including Pol Lt Gen Dr Thaweesin Vejvithan, Pol Lt Gen Dr Sophonrat Singhajaru, and Dr Ruamthip Supanun, could potentially impact the health-and-wellness sector, considering the medical-conditions of a high-profile patient like former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra were involved.
- The science community might find it concerning that the Medical Council of Thailand is accusing certain doctors of providing inaccurate information about Thaksin's health status, which could lead to a breach of professional standards in the medical-conditions field, consequently affecting health-and-wellness practices in Thailand.
