Prime Minister anticipates receipt of update on father's health status in hospital.
New and Improved Article:
Headline: Thaksin Shinawatra's Medical Treatment Under Investigation: Latest Developments
Opening Scoop:Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has disclosed that she hasn't received specific details regarding her father, Thaksin Shinawatra's medical treatment during his stint at Police General Hospital. She previously mentioned that more information was being sought from the Medical Council of Thailand. Paetongtarn assured, though, that her father did undergo medical treatment during his jail term.
The 14th Floor Saga:Thaksin, the former Prime Minister, is scheduled to be questioned on June 13 regarding his medical treatment by the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions. Unlike his daughter, Thaksin won't be present during the hearing but will submit a written statement instead. The court is probing whether Thaksin's prison sentence was executed properly, given they dismissed an earlier petition as the petitioner was not a direct party affected.
Swirling Rumors:Various speculations have surfaced, suggesting that the investigation is a political tactic to undermine the government. Dismissing such claims, Paetongtarn stated that Thaksin, now 75, has more health issues and takes longer to recover. Despite facing numerous trials, she emphasized that the family remains resilient.
Allegations and Denials:The Public Health Minister, Somsak Thepsutin, has refuted accusations that he used his position as the medical council's special president to block an ethics investigation involving the doctors who attended to Thaksin. The Medical Council will release a report on the matter on Thursday.
Facebook Frenzy:Dr Warong Detkitvikrom of the Thai Pakdee Party posted on his Facebook page suspicions about Somsak possibly influencing the investigation's findings. Somsak, however, clarified that he agreed with the Medical Council's conclusions as a rule, but couldn't persuade all the council members to vote in a particular direction.
Activist Anxieties:Jatuporn Prompan, leader of the People’s Unity Group, expressed on social media his concerns that two doctors from the Police General Hospital may have their medical licenses suspended due to their involvement in Thaksin's treatment. Additionally, five more doctors from the Police Hospital and the Corrections Hospital are set to be investigated, potentially facing more severe consequences.
A (Very) Lavish Stay:Recall that Thaksin, who was sentenced to eight years in prison in 2023, served only six months and never spent a night inside a prison cell - thanks to a royal pardon that reduced his sentence. He stayed at the Police General Hospital for 180 days, longer than the permissible 120 days for inmates to receive treatment outside prison, under the pretext that prison conditions posed a threat to his health. Thaksin bore the entire cost of his six-month stay, which included a VIP room on the 14th floor priced at 8,500 baht a night.
Commentary:The 14th-floor saga, costing taxpayers millions, paints a grim picture, raising questions about privilege and justice in Thailand's judicial system.
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- The investigation into Thaksin Shinawatra's medical treatment raises concerns about policy and legislation surrounding health and wellness, particularly in the context of political figures.
- The accusations and denials regarding the Medical Council's ethics investigation, medical licenses, and doctors' involvement in Thaksin Shinawatra's treatment are part of the general news discourse, influencing the politics of the country.
- The science behind medical conditions plays a significant role in the proceedings, as Thaksin Shinawatra's health issues and recovery time are factors in the discussion surrounding his treatment.
